Q38 · UPSC Prelims 2024 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

A Irrigation of terraced crop fields
B Lift irrigation of cereal crops
C Long duration energy storage
D Rainwater harvesting system

Correct answer: (c) Long duration energy storage

Explanation

  1. A

    Irrigation of terraced crop fields

    Terraced irrigation. Pumped storage is not that.

  2. B

    Lift irrigation of cereal crops

    Lift irrigation of cereals. Different pumps, different purpose.

  3. C

    Long duration energy storage

    Long-duration energy storage. Pump up when power is cheap; generate when it is scarce.

  4. D

    Rainwater harvesting system

    Rainwater harvesting. Not pumped-storage hydro.

Summary. Official key is (c). Pumped-storage hydropower moves water between two reservoirs to store electricity for hours to days — long-duration energy storage. It is not an irrigation or rainwater-harvesting scheme.