Green Lubrication Technologies
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Addresses critical UPSC themes of sustainable industrial development, energy security, environmental protection, and the role of scientific innovation in achieving these goals, relevant for GS3 (Economy, Environment, S&T).
Green lubrication technologies involve the development and application of lubricants that minimize environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. This includes using biodegradable base oils, non-toxic additives, and processes that reduce friction and wear, thereby lowering energy consumption and extending machinery life.
Facts & tables
- Primary Goal
- Reduce friction and wear while minimizing environmental impact.
- Components
- Utilizes renewable/biodegradable base oils (e.g., castor oil) and advanced additives (e.g., 2D nanomaterials like borophene).
- Benefits
- Enhances machine efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and extends equipment lifespan.
- Applications
- Relevant for renewable energy systems, marine applications, and sustainable manufacturing.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Sustainable Development |
| Conceptual area | Energy Efficiency |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) | Researches |
| Department of Science and Technology (DST) | Funds |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- Eco-friendly lubricants reducing friction & wear.
- Utilizes renewable base oils (e.g., castor oil).
- Employs advanced additives (e.g., borophene).
- Enhances energy efficiency, extends machinery life.
- Key for sustainable manufacturing & energy systems.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2018 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2014 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2014 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2013 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
Timeline
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Sustainable Development
Conceptual area
-
Energy Efficiency
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2013
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2014
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2014
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2018
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2023
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Borophene-based green lubricant can help save energy
Focuses on eco-friendly lubricants that improve efficiency and reduce environmental harm through renewable base oils and advanced additives.
See also
Past papers
2013–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
Borophene-based green lubricant can help save energy
Focuses on eco-friendly lubricants that improve efficiency and reduce environmental harm through renewable base oils and advanced additives.
Try these PYQs
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?
* Green hydrogen is the hydrogen produced through electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources. * Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing all three of the mentioned heavy industries. * Green hydrogen can be used in the production of ammonia, which is a key component for many fertilizers. Fertilizer production is energy-intensive and often relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. By using green hydrogen as a clean energy source, the carbon emissions from this industry can be significantly reduced * Green hydrogen can be used in oil refineries to process crude oil into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This can help to reduce the carbon emissions from the refining process. * The steel industry is one of the largest industrial emitters of carbon dioxide. Green hydrogen can be used in place of coal in the steelmaking process, significantly reducing the industry's carbon emissions.
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ?
1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: Hydrogen obtained from fossil fuels (primarily natural gas) through steam methane reforming, where the resulting carbon emissions are captured and stored using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, is known as Blue Hydrogen, not Green Hydrogen. Statement 2 is Correct: Green Hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen via electrolysis, using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind). It is a completely zero-emission process. Statement 3 is Correct: The National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by the Government of India has set quantified targets for 2030. It aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum. This will lead to the abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, alongside reducing fossil fuel imports and creating over 6 lakh jobs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors (like silicon) — this is a direct conversion of light to electrical energy. Solar Thermal technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to produce heat, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity (an indirect process). Statement 2 is incorrect: Photovoltaic systems generate Direct Current (DC), which is usually converted into Alternating Current (AC) through an inverter for grid use. Solar Thermal systems generate heat energy, which is used to produce AC electricity through conventional turbines. Statement 3 is incorrect: India has a manufacturing base for solar photovoltaics (PV) — including solar cells, modules, and panels (e.g., companies like Adani Solar, Vikram Solar, and Tata Power Solar). The solar thermal manufacturing base in India is limited and largely focused on small-scale applications like water heating.
Consider the following statements:
1. Maize can be used for the production of starch.
2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Maize (corn) is a versatile crop with numerous uses. Statement 1 is correct: Maize is a major source of starch, a carbohydrate used in various food and industrial applications. Cornstarch is a common thickening agent in cooking and is also used in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. Statement 2 is correct: Biodiesel Feedstock Corn oil, extracted from the maize germ, can be processed into biodiesel, a renewable fuel alternative to traditional diesel. Statement 3 is correct: Alcoholic Beverage Production Maize is a key ingredient in various alcoholic beverages, including bourbon whiskey and corn-based ethanol for alcoholic drinks or fuel.
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?
* Green hydrogen is any hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy. * Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel for internal combustion engines, replacing conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel. * Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for various applications like heating, power generation, and industrial processes. * Statement 3 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power electric vehicles, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Therefore, all three statements regarding the uses of green hydrogen are correct.
Show 3 more PYQs
Consider the following infrastructure sectors:
1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy
On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?
* In March 2020, Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) was formally established as a stand-alone business unit in the UNOPS governance structure, making UNOPS the first United Nations organisation able to make direct investments from its own balance sheet. * In line with the UNOPS Strategic Plan, 2022-2025, the S3i office will seek to enhance and accelerate the effort of engaging public and private sector investors to work collectively to scale up infrastructure investments and consider co-creating innovative financing options. The UNOPS S3i will continue rolling out the initiative across its three focus-areas- affordable housing- renewable energy- health infrastructure _SK Tip_: _Just think of the option - Rapid Mass Transport. If we generally think, rapid mass transport is not a need or even a necessity while considering sustainable aspects. Had it been mass transport, we would have still given it a thought. But not rapid mass transport._
With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of the sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Statement 1 is correct. Bagasse: This fibrous residue left after sugarcane juice extraction is a valuable biomass fuel. It can be burned to generate electricity or heat, often powering the sugar mills themselves. Statement 2 is incorrect. Synthetic Fertilizers: Molasses don't directly contribute to the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers. These fertilizers are typically manufactured using chemical processes involving elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Statement 3 is correct. Molasses: While molasses isn't directly used to produce synthetic fertilizers, it can be fermented to create ethanol, a biofuel. Ethanol can be used as a transportation fuel or blended with gasoline. Thus, statements 1 & 3 are correct while statement 2 is wrong.
With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: India does not feature among the top three global manufacturers of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) units or solar cells. The top three manufacturers of silicon wafers for PV applications are China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a government-owned company that facilitates the implementation of solar energy projects in the country, but it does not determine the solar power tariffs. The solar power tariffs in India are determined through a competitive bidding process conducted by various agencies. Hence, the correct answer is option (d) Neither 1 nor 2.