Hydropower Generation and Energy Security in India
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
UPSC cares about India's energy security, the transition to renewable energy, challenges in achieving energy targets, the impact of climate change on energy infrastructure, and regional energy disparities.
Hydropower is a crucial component of India's energy mix, offering a clean, renewable, and cost-effective source of electricity. It plays a vital role in grid stability, particularly for peak load management, due to its quick start-up capabilities and flexibility.
Facts & tables
- Nature of Hydropower
- A renewable energy source derived from the kinetic energy of flowing water.
- Role in Grid Management
- Essential for peak load management in India's electricity grid due to its rapid response time.
- Economic Advantage
- Generally more economical compared to thermal or other conventional power sources.
- Dependence on Monsoon
- Its generation is highly dependent on monsoon rainfall and water availability in reservoirs.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Renewable & Clean Energy |
| Conceptual area | Indian Hydrography & Water Bodies |
| Conceptual area | Environment & Ecology |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) | Develops and operates hydroelectric power projects |
| Ministry of Power | Formulates policies for power sector |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- Hydropower: clean, renewable, economical.
- Crucial for peak load management and grid stability.
- Highly dependent on monsoon rainfall and reservoir levels.
- Deficit monsoon leads to energy shortages and higher costs.
- Part of India's broader energy security strategy.
Ministry sets policy; regulator often has quasi-judicial powers.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2018 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2014 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2013 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
Timeline
-
Renewable & Clean Energy
Conceptual area
-
Indian Hydrography & Water Bodies
Conceptual area
-
Environment & Ecology
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2013
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2014
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2018
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2020
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Bleak scenario: State’s hydel storage second-lowest in last 10 years
Hydropower is a key renewable energy source in India, vital for peak load management and grid stability due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. However, its generation is highly susceptible to monsoon variability and water availability, posing challenges to energy security, especially in states heavily reliant on hydel power like Karnataka.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2013–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
Bleak scenario: State’s hydel storage second-lowest in last 10 years
Hydropower is a key renewable energy source in India, vital for peak load management and grid stability due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. However, its generation is highly susceptible to monsoon variability and water availability, posing challenges to energy security, especially in states heavily reliant on hydel power like Karnataka.
Try these PYQs
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.
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.
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.
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government initiative to expand rooftop solar adoption in the residential sector, while also building technical capacity across the country. ✅ Statement I: Correct
* The scheme targets the installation of 1 crore solar rooftop panels in households. ✅ Statement II: Correct
* The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE plans to train grassroots-level workers in installation, operation, and maintenance. ✅ Statement III: Correct
* The scheme aims to create over 3 lakh skilled workers through fresh skilling and up-skilling efforts.
Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?
Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is used for long-duration energy storage. It works by pumping water to a higher reservoir during low electricity demand and releasing it to generate power during peak demand. This process helps balance the grid supply and demand, making PSH an effective tool for energy storage over extended periods. Thus, the correct answer is C.
Show 3 more PYQs
With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:
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?
Solar pumps provide a clean, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional electric and fuel-driven pump sets. They play a crucial role in environmentally friendly agriculture and can be implemented in both developed and underdeveloped regions. The main components in a solar pumping system include a photovoltaic (PV) array, an electric motor and a pump. Solar water pumping systems are classified as either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) systems based on the motors ability. Recently, the concept of brushless DC (BLDC) motors for solar pumping water applications was presented as well. Statement 1 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both surface pumps and submersible pumps. The type of pump does not limit the use of solar power. Statement 2 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both centrifugal pumps and piston pumps. The type of pump, whether it's a centrifugal pump or a piston pump, does not limit the use of solar power. Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.
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 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.