UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India’s cheapest power is here, the grid must catch up

Q1. The National Electricity Plan, which lays down the transmission roadmap for integration of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, is statutorily notified by which one of the following authorities?

  • A. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)
  • B. Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
  • C. Grid Controller of India Ltd. (erstwhile POSOCO)
  • D. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID)

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the National Electricity Plan (Transmission) covering the period 2023–2032: 1. Its plan period is 2023 to 2032 and it targets meeting a peak demand of about 458 GW by 2032. 2. The estimated total investment for the plan is approximately ₹9.15 lakh crore. 3. Nine new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines of 33.25 GW capacity are planned, over and above the existing 33.5 GW HVDC capacity. 4. The Plan is prepared and implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Its plan period is 2023 to 2032 and it targets meeting a peak demand of about 458 GW by 2032.
  2. The estimated total investment for the plan is approximately ₹9.15 lakh crore.
  3. Nine new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines of 33.25 GW capacity are planned, over and above the existing 33.5 GW HVDC capacity.
  4. The Plan is prepared and implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 4 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q3. As per the National Electricity Plan (Transmission) 2023–2032, how many new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines, of 33.25 GW aggregate capacity, are planned to be added to the existing HVDC system by 2032?

  • A. 5
  • B. 7
  • C. 9
  • D. 13

Q4. With reference to India's renewable energy landscape in 2025–26, consider the following statements: 1. India crossed the 50% non-fossil-fuel share in cumulative installed electricity capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 NDC target. 2. India ranks third globally in installed renewable energy capacity. 3. India's installed solar power capacity crossed 200 GW by March 2026. 4. India ranks fourth globally in installed wind power capacity. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. India crossed the 50% non-fossil-fuel share in cumulative installed electricity capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 NDC target.
  2. India ranks third globally in installed renewable energy capacity.
  3. India's installed solar power capacity crossed 200 GW by March 2026.
  4. India ranks fourth globally in installed wind power capacity.
  • A. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • B. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Programme, which builds Intra-State Transmission System infrastructure to evacuate renewable power from resource-rich states, is implemented by which one of the following?

  • A. Ministry of Power, through the Central Electricity Authority
  • B. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
  • C. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • D. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. under the Department of Heavy Industries