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.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2024 · Q48 · General Studies · 2 marks

    Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote "an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items"?

    View answer →

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