Renewable Energy Integration
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
This concept is crucial for India's energy security, achieving its climate change commitments (NDCs), fostering economic growth through cheaper power, and developing critical infrastructure. It involves policy, technology, and economic dimensions vital for sustainable development and energy transition.
Renewable energy integration refers to the process of seamlessly incorporating intermittent renewable power sources like solar and wind into the existing electricity grid. This involves addressing challenges related to grid stability, transmission capacity, and demand-supply balancing, often requiring advanced grid technologies and energy storage solutions.
Facts & tables
- Stranded Renewable Power
- Tens of gigawatts of India's cheapest solar and wind power are stranded due to inadequate grid infrastructure.
- Potential Unlocked Capacity
- Upgrading the grid and adding storage can unlock 1,000 GW of new clean energy without acquiring additional land for transmission.
- Accelerated Deployment
- India added over 45 GW of solar and wind in 2025, matching the United States.
- Cost-Effective Firm Power
- Paired with low battery costs, India can deliver firm clean power at approximately ₹3.5 per kWh.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Climate Change Mitigation |
| Conceptual area | Energy Security |
| Conceptual area | Infrastructure Development |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- Intermittency of solar and wind power as a challenge.
- Need for grid modernization and transmission upgrades.
- Role of energy storage (e.g., batteries) for firm power delivery.
- Economic benefits of cheap renewable energy.
- Impact on India's climate targets and energy independence.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding |
| 2024 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2020 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2018 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2014 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
-
Climate Change Mitigation
Conceptual area
-
Energy Security
Conceptual area
-
Infrastructure Development
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2014
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2018
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2020
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Terminology-based question, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
India’s cheapest power is here, the grid must catch up
India faces the challenge of integrating its rapidly growing and cost-effective renewable energy capacity into an aging grid, necessitating modernization and energy storage solutions to prevent power curtailment and ensure grid stability.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2014–2025 · 8 questions
In the news
India’s cheapest power is here, the grid must catch up
India faces the challenge of integrating its rapidly growing and cost-effective renewable energy capacity into an aging grid, necessitating modernization and energy storage solutions to prevent power curtailment and ensure grid stability.
Try these PYQs
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 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 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.
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.
Consider the following:
1. Battery storage
2. Biomass generators
3. Fuel cells
4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units
How many of the above are considered "Distributed Energy Resources"?
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small-scale units of power generation or storage that are situated closer to the end-users. Let's analyze each option: * Battery storage: These store energy and can be deployed within the distribution network or at the consumer end, making them DERs. * Biomass generators: These can be small-scale and located near the biomass source, making them suitable for distributed generation. * Fuel cells: Similar to biomass generators, fuel cells can be deployed in a decentralized manner, qualifying as DERs. * Rooftop solar photovoltaic units: These are a classic example of DERs, generating power at the point of consumption. _Therefore, all four options are considered Distributed Energy Resources._
Show 3 more PYQs
Consider the following statements:
1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. India's Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is the largest solar power park in the world. Statement 2 is correct. Kerala’s Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is the first airport in the world that would be running fully on solar power. Statement 3 is incorrect. The largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India is not in Goa but in Ramagundam, Telangana. The project is developed by NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited).
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.
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.