38
Question 38
Recently, the term "pumped-storage
hydropower" is actually and appropriately
discussed in the context of which one of the
following?
AOptions
A
A) Irrigation of terraced crop fields
B
B) Lift irrigation of cereal crops
C
C) Long duration energy storage
D
D) Rainwater harvesting system
BSolution
The term "pumped-storage hydropower" (PSH) is indeed discussed in the context of long duration energy storage.
PSH systems involve two reservoirs at different elevations. When there's excess electricity (e.g., from intermittent renewable sources like solar or wind), water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper one, storing energy in the form of gravitational potential energy. When electricity demand is high, water is released from the upper reservoir, flows downhill through turbines, generating electricity, and returning to the lower reservoir.
This technology is the largest-capacity form of grid energy storage available globally and is crucial for grid stability, load balancing, and integrating large amounts of variable renewable energy over long durations. While it involves water and potentially impacts water resources, its primary function is energy storage, not irrigation or rainwater harvesting directly.
PSH systems involve two reservoirs at different elevations. When there's excess electricity (e.g., from intermittent renewable sources like solar or wind), water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper one, storing energy in the form of gravitational potential energy. When electricity demand is high, water is released from the upper reservoir, flows downhill through turbines, generating electricity, and returning to the lower reservoir.
This technology is the largest-capacity form of grid energy storage available globally and is crucial for grid stability, load balancing, and integrating large amounts of variable renewable energy over long durations. While it involves water and potentially impacts water resources, its primary function is energy storage, not irrigation or rainwater harvesting directly.
CStrategy
For technology-related terms, identify their core function. 'Pumped-storage hydropower' clearly indicates energy generation and storage through water movement. Associate it with large-scale grid solutions for renewable energy integration.
DSyllabus Analysis
Science & Technology: Energy (Renewable Energy, Energy Storage Technologies). Economy: Energy Sector. Current Affairs: Energy Transition.
EQuestion Analysis
This is a conceptual question with a current affairs dimension from Science & Technology/Energy. Pumped-storage hydropower is a well-known method for large-scale energy storage. The other options are related to water but not the primary function of PSH. Easy difficulty.