Set 2 | Important Non Conventional Energy MCQs

Correct Answer is D.

• The energy crisis refers to a situation where the demand for energy resources exceeds the available supply, leading to a shortage. This often pertains to non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, and natural gas), which are finite and face depletion due to overuse and dependence.

Correct Answer is C.

From the viewpoint of sustainable development, hydroelectricity is the best source for generating electricity in India because:

1. Renewable Resource: It relies on water, a renewable resource, making it environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels.
2. Low Emissions: It generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.
3. Abundant Potential: India has a vast network of rivers and water bodies suitable for hydroelectric projects.
4. Sustainability: Properly managed hydroelectric projects can provide a long-term, reliable energy supply.

Coal and mineral oil are non-renewable and environmentally harmful, while atomic energy, although sustainable, has concerns related to safety and radioactive waste disposal.

Correct Answer is A.

India has immense potential for solar energy due to its geographical location:

1. Abundant Sunlight: Most parts of India receive 300+ sunny days annually, with a high solar insolation rate.
2. Large Land Availability: Open lands, rooftops, and desert areas (like the Thar Desert) are ideal for setting up solar power plants.
3. Government Initiatives: India has ambitious plans, such as the National Solar Mission, to harness solar energy and achieve its renewable energy targets.
4. Scalability: Solar power systems are modular and can be deployed on small or large scales, including rural areas without access to traditional energy grids.

While other sources like biomass, small hydel, and energy recovery from waste have potential, solar energy offers the greatest scalability and contribution to India’s energy mix.

Correct Answer is B.

• [A] Bio-fuel is eco-friendly: Correct. Bio-fuels are considered eco-friendly as they produce fewer greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels.
• [B] Bio-fuel is cost-effective: Not entirely correct. The production and processing of bio-fuels can be expensive, making them less cost-effective compared to traditional fossil fuels in many cases.
• [C] Bio-fuel can contribute to remedy energy crisis: Correct. Bio-fuels can help diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on non-renewable resources.
• [D] Bio-fuel is also made from corn: Correct. Corn is a common raw material used to produce ethanol, a type of bio-fuel.

Correct Answer is C.

• The focus of biofuel development in India primarily revolves around the farming and processing of Jatropha plant seeds, known for their high oil content (40%). After extraction, Jatropha oil can be utilized in diesel generators and engines. For many years, Jatropha oil has served as biodiesel in India, meeting the fuel needs of isolated rural and forest communities.

Correct Answer is *.

• Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, serves as a renewable fuel. It is primarily produced from sources like sugar cane and glucose. Additionally, ethanol can be derived from the fermentation of materials such as pine, karanja, and fern, which are also part of the green fuel category.

Correct Answer is B.

Maize (corn) is a popular energy crop used for ethanol production. It is one of the primary sources of bioethanol, especially in countries like the United States. The process involves converting the starch in corn kernels into sugar, which is then fermented and distilled to produce ethanol.

• Jatropha: This is primarily used for biodiesel production, not ethanol
• Pongamia: Another crop used for biodiesel, not ethanol
• Sunflower: Typically used for oil production, not ethanol

Maize remains the most common and efficient crop for ethanol production, making it the correct choice in this multiple-choice question.

Correct Answer is D.

• The reliance on diesel and petrol for vehicle fuel is shifting towards CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) due to its significantly lower emissions of harmful substances. Methane (CH4) is the primary constituent of CNG.

Correct Answer is D.

• On August 27, 2018, Spicejet achieved a milestone by conducting India’s inaugural flight powered by biofuel. The airline accomplished this flight on the route from Dehradun to Delhi. For this journey, Spicejet utilized its Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

Correct Answer is D.

[A] Radioactive contamination of air, soil, and water

• Air Contamination: Radioactive gases (like iodine-131, xenon, and krypton) can be released during accidents or leaks, posing a threat to human health and the ecosystem. Even controlled releases from normal operations need monitoring.
• Soil Contamination: Radioactive isotopes such as cesium-137 or strontium-90 can settle on the soil, making it toxic for agriculture, plants, and animals for decades or even centuries.
• Water Contamination:
  • Cooling water discharged from reactors can carry radioactive materials into rivers, lakes, or oceans, harming aquatic life and entering the food chain.
  • Underground water sources can become polluted from radioactive leaks or improper waste storage.

[B] Deforestation and loss of flora and fauna

• Nuclear power plants require large areas for construction, which often leads to:
  • Clearing of forests: This destroys habitats for local wildlife, reducing biodiversity.
  • Displacement of species: Both flora and fauna in the area can suffer as their ecosystems are disrupted.
  • Fragmentation of ecosystems: Dividing natural areas with infrastructure can make it harder for species to thrive or migrate.
• Some projects are located near environmentally sensitive areas, further exacerbating the loss of flora and fauna.

[C] Radioactive waste disposal

• High-level waste: Spent fuel from reactors is highly radioactive and must be stored safely in specially designed facilities for thousands of years.
• Low and intermediate-level waste: Materials like contaminated clothing, tools, and filters also need proper disposal to avoid environmental contamination.
• Challenges in disposal:
  • Long-term storage facilities must ensure that no radioactive material leaks into the environment over centuries.
  • Transportation of radioactive waste poses risks of accidental spills or exposure.