UPSC Prelims 2012·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification. 2. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only. 3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 onlyCorrect
  2. B2 and 3 only
  3. C1 and 3 only
  4. D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because a wide variety of agricultural residues, including coconut shells, groundnut shells, and rice husk, can be effectively used as feedstock for biomass gasification. Statement 2 is incorrect because the process produces syngas, which is a mixture of several gases. While it contains hydrogen and carbon dioxide, it also includes significant amounts of carbon monoxide and methane, which are key combustible components. Statement 3 is incorrect because the producer gas generated can be used for both direct thermal applications and as a fuel in internal combustion engines, such as diesel or spark ignition engines, for power generation. Since only the first statement is true, the correct option is A.
science-and-technology: Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context,
ShareWhatsAppXTelegram

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.