Non-Conventional Energy

1. India pledged at COP26 to reach net zero emission by 2070. What is the

India pledged at COP26 to reach net zero emission by 2070. What is the target percentage of renewable energy announced to be achieved by 2030?

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40%
45%
50%
55%
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20
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At COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, India pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2070. As part of its ‘Panchamrit’ (five nectar elements) commitments announced at the summit, India also set several ambitious targets for 2030, including meeting 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy sources.
– India’s Net Zero target year is 2070.
– One of the key targets announced for 2030 was to meet 50% of the country’s energy requirements from renewable energy sources.
– Other 2030 targets included increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW and reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 45%.
The Panchamrit targets announced by India at COP26 are: 1. Reach 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. 2. Meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. 3. Reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now till 2030. 4. Reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45 percent by 2030. 5. Achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070. The question specifically asks for the target percentage of renewable energy for 2030.

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2. Consider the following : Battery storage Biomass generators Fuel c

Consider the following :

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  • Battery storage
  • Biomass generators
  • Fuel cells
  • Rooftop solar photovoltaic units

How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”?

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Only one
Only two
Only three
All four
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small, modular energy generation, storage, or demand-response technologies located at or near the point of consumption. This distributed nature contrasts with traditional centralized power generation.
– Battery storage stores energy and can be used locally, fitting the definition of a DER.
– Biomass generators can be deployed at various scales, including small-scale, localized generation which qualifies as a DER.
– Fuel cells are capable of providing localized power generation and can be considered DERs.
– Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) units are a quintessential example of DER, generating power at the point of use.
DERs can improve grid reliability, resilience, and efficiency by reducing transmission losses and providing local support during peak demand or outages. They also play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. Other examples of DERs include small wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and electric vehicles capable of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power flow.

3. Consider the following materials : 1. Agricultural residues 2. Co

Consider the following materials :

  • 1. Agricultural residues
  • 2. Corn grain
  • 3. Wastewater treatment sludge
  • 4. Wood mill waste

Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel ?

1 and 2 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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The correct option is C.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can be produced from a variety of sources (feedstocks) besides traditional petroleum-based jet fuel. These feedstocks are often biomass-based or derived from waste materials.
1. Agricultural residues: Residues like corn stover, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, etc., are lignocellulosic materials that can be converted into SAF through various biochemical or thermochemical processes like gasification followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, or cellulosic ethanol converted to jet fuel.
2. Corn grain: While controversial from a food security perspective, corn grain can be fermented into ethanol, which can then be converted into SAF via the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) pathway. This is a recognized method for producing SAF, although its sustainability is debated depending on the criteria used (e.g., land use change).
3. Wastewater treatment sludge: The organic content in sewage sludge can be utilized as a feedstock for SAF production through processes such as hydrothermal liquefaction or gasification.
4. Wood mill waste: Forestry residues, sawdust, wood chips, and other wood waste from sawmills and logging operations are lignocellulosic feedstocks similar to agricultural residues and can be converted into SAF.

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All listed materials are potential feedstocks for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The sustainability of SAF depends not just on the feedstock but also the production pathway, land use impacts, and overall lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Various pathways and feedstocks are being explored and certified globally to meet sustainability criteria set by international bodies.

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4. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

  • 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
  • 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
  • 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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Only one
Only two
All three
None
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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All three statements describe potential and current applications of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is a versatile energy carrier.
– Hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel in modified or specially designed internal combustion engines.
– Hydrogen can be blended with natural gas (methane) and used in existing gas infrastructure and appliances for heating or power generation, reducing the carbon intensity of the natural gas stream.
– Hydrogen is a key fuel for hydrogen fuel cells, which electrochemically convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water, and heat, commonly used in fuel cell vehicles and stationary power generation.
Green hydrogen is considered a crucial part of future decarbonization efforts, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry, transport, and long-term energy storage. Its versatility allows for use in various energy applications, either directly, blended, or via conversion technologies like fuel cells.

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5. Consider the following heavy industries: 1. Fertilizer plants 2. Oil r

Consider the following heavy industries:
1. Fertilizer plants
2. Oil refineries
3. Steel plants
Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

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Only one
Only two
All three
None
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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The correct answer is C) All three.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is a key solution for decarbonizing heavy industries which are difficult to electrify and heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
Fertilizer plants: Production of ammonia (NH3), a primary component of fertilizers, currently uses hydrogen derived mainly from natural gas (steam methane reforming), a process that emits significant CO2. Green hydrogen can directly replace this, making ammonia production carbon-free.
Oil refineries: Hydrogen is used in refining processes like hydrocracking and hydrotreating to remove impurities and upgrade fuel products. Replacing grey hydrogen with green hydrogen is a direct pathway to reduce emissions in refineries.
Steel plants: Traditional steel production is a major source of CO2 emissions due to the use of coal as a reducing agent. Green hydrogen can be used as a reducing agent in direct reduced iron (DRI) processes, replacing coal and enabling the production of “green steel” with significantly lower emissions.
Decarbonizing heavy industries is crucial for achieving global climate goals. Green hydrogen offers a promising avenue as a clean fuel and feedstock, capable of reducing or eliminating process emissions in these sectors. Significant research, development, and pilot projects are underway globally to implement green hydrogen solutions in fertilizer, refining, and steel production.

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6. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements

With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements :

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  • 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.
  • 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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Neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.
Solar power technology is widely used to run various types of water pumps, including both surface and submersible pumps. Submersible solar pumps are commonly used for drawing water from borewells or deep wells. Similarly, solar power systems can drive different types of pumps, including both centrifugal and positive displacement pumps like piston pumps, depending on the specific system design and application.
Solar water pumps are increasingly popular in agriculture and for rural water supply due to their sustainability and reduced dependence on grid electricity or diesel. They are available in various configurations to suit different head and flow requirements.

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7. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the followi

According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels ?
1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse gram
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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1, 2, 5 and 6 only
1, 3, 4 and 6 only
2, 3, 4 and 5 only
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, raw materials like Cassava, Damaged wheat grains, Rotten potatoes, and Sugar beet can be used for the production of biofuels.
India’s National Policy on Biofuels (e.g., the 2018 policy) promotes the use of diverse feedstocks for biofuel production, particularly focusing on non-food based feedstocks (2nd generation) and utilizing damaged/surplus food grains and crops (1st generation under specific conditions). The policy explicitly lists “Sugarcane, Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, etc.” as potential feedstocks for ethanol production. Damaged edible oilseeds and non-edible oilseeds are listed for biodiesel production.
From the given list:
1. Cassava: Starch-containing material, listed as a potential feedstock for ethanol.
2. Damaged wheat grains: Explicitly listed as an allowed feedstock for ethanol when unfit for human consumption.
3. Groundnut seeds: Edible oilseed. While damaged edible oilseeds can be used for biodiesel, groundnut is primarily a food crop, and the policy prioritizes non-edible sources or damaged edible sources. It’s less certain as a primary listed source compared to others for bulk biofuel production unless specifically damaged.
4. Horse gram: Pulse (edible). Not typically listed as a primary biofuel feedstock under the policy unless damaged or surplus, similar to other edible grains/pulses.
5. Rotten potatoes: Damaged food crop, explicitly listed as a potential feedstock for ethanol.
6. Sugar beet: Sugar crop, explicitly listed as a potential feedstock for ethanol.
The policy aims to encourage the production of biofuels from a wide range of feedstocks to improve energy security, reduce import bills, manage surplus agricultural produce, and reduce environmental pollution. The focus is increasingly on 2G biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass, but 1G from specified sources like damaged food grains and sugar/starch crops like sugar beet and cassava is also allowed.

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8. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG

In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:

  • 1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
  • 2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
  • 3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
  • 4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2019
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The correct answer is B) 2 and 3 only.
Hydrogen-enriched Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) is a fuel mixture being explored to reduce emissions from vehicles.
1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions: Incorrect. While H-CNG significantly *reduces* CO emissions compared to pure CNG, it does not typically *eliminate* them entirely. Elimination is a very strong claim.
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions: Correct. Blending hydrogen with CNG reduces the carbon content per unit energy, leading to lower CO2 emissions. Hydrogen combustion itself produces only water. H-CNG also leads to more complete combustion of the natural gas component, resulting in reduced unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses: Correct. Studies and trials have shown that blends of hydrogen up to 20% by volume (which is one-fifth) with CNG can be used in existing CNG engines with minimal or no modifications, while achieving significant emission reductions.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG: Incorrect. Hydrogen production and blending typically make H-CNG more expensive than pure CNG. The cost is a major barrier to its widespread adoption.
H-CNG offers advantages in terms of reduced emissions (CO, HC, NOx, CO2) and improved engine performance (higher octane number). However, challenges remain regarding hydrogen production costs, infrastructure for storage and distribution, and compatibility with existing vehicle technology at higher blend ratios. Based on the analysis, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

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9. It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the li

It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry ?

  • 1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
  • 2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
  • 3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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Statement 1 is incorrect. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible not only in seas (using marine algae) but also on land (on continents) using freshwater or brackish water in open ponds or closed photobioreactors. Location depends on the type of algae and the cultivation method.
Statement 2 is correct. Setting up and engineering an algae-based biofuel production facility requires significant scientific and technological expertise, especially in areas like strain selection, cultivation optimization, harvesting, and lipid extraction/conversion. Developing countries might face limitations in accessing or developing this high level of specialized knowledge and technology.
Statement 3 is correct. To make algae biofuel production economically competitive with fossil fuels, large-scale facilities are generally required to achieve economies of scale. Setting up such large-scale facilities necessitates significant land and water resources and can potentially raise ecological concerns (e.g., water usage, potential impact on local ecosystems, energy input) and social concerns (e.g., land use conflict, resource competition with food production).
– Algae cultivation is possible on land as well as in the sea.
– Algae biofuel production is technologically complex and requires specialized expertise.
– Economic viability often demands large scale, which can have significant resource implications and raise environmental/social concerns.
Algae-based biofuels are considered a promising renewable energy source due to algae’s high growth rates and ability to grow on non-arable land using non-potable water sources or wastewater. However, current production costs remain high compared to fossil fuels, and scaling up production faces technical, economic, and sustainability challenges.

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10. Consider the following statements: The International Solar Alliance

Consider the following statements:

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  1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
  2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 1 is correct. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly launched by India and France at the 21st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in November 2015.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The ISA was initially conceived for countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which receive abundant sunlight. While its membership has since been expanded to include all member states of the United Nations, it does not *automatically* include *all* member countries; they must sign and ratify the ISA Framework Agreement to become members. As of 2023, not all UN member countries are members of the ISA.
ISA was launched at COP21 in 2015. Membership is open to UN members but requires joining, not automatic inclusion of all.
The ISA aims to promote research, development, and deployment of solar energy technologies and mobilize investment. It is headquartered in Gurugram, India.

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