UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — The next test for renewable energy

Q1. India's non-fossil installed capacity on 31 July 2026 was 300.50 GW, comprising solar (164.59 GW), wind (58.14 GW), hydro (57.24 GW), bio-power (11.75 GW) and nuclear (8.78 GW). Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above data?

  1. Solar and wind, both variable in output, together make up more than half of this capacity.
  2. Non-fossil sources supplied more electricity than fossil sources during the period.
  3. Solar plants generated more electricity than wind and hydro plants taken together.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Around 2022-23, the share of non-fossil sources in India's electricity production was well below their share of installed electric capacity.
  2. India's Nationally Determined Contribution expresses its non-fossil energy commitment as a share of cumulative electric power installed capacity.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Nuclear power is not classified as renewable energy, although it is counted in India's non-fossil capacity.
  2. Nuclear power relies on a fuel that is not replenished at a higher rate than it is consumed.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. With reference to the classification of energy sources in India's power sector, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Hydropower falls outside the renewable category because it involves impounding water.
  2. An addition to nuclear capacity raises non-fossil capacity without adding to renewable capacity.
  3. Bio-power is left out of India's non-fossil capacity because its combustion releases carbon dioxide.
  4. India's 2030 installed-capacity commitment under its NDC is framed for renewable sources alone, excluding nuclear.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 1, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 2, 3 and 4 only

Q5. In a country, final energy consumption consists of electricity and fuels used directly by end users. Which one of the following changes would raise electricity's share of that country's final energy consumption?

  • A. A rise in direct fuel use by industry and vehicles, with electricity use unchanged
  • B. An equal proportionate fall in electricity use and direct fuel use, with the fuel mix unchanged
  • C. A rise in solar's share of power generation, with electricity and direct fuel use unchanged
  • D. A fall in direct fuel use by industry and vehicles, with electricity use unchanged

Q6. With reference to the obligations of Parties under the Paris Agreement, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Each Party is legally obliged to prepare, communicate and maintain successive NDCs.
  2. As regards domestic mitigation, a Party's obligation is only to pursue measures with the aim of achieving the objectives of its NDC.
  3. Long-term low-emission strategies, unlike NDCs, are invited and are not mandatory.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q7. Suppose a transmission line is built to carry wind power from one State to another. In the light of India's federal arrangement for the power sector, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Regulation of this inter-State transmission would fall within the remit of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.
  2. Members of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions are appointed by the Central Government because electricity is a Concurrent List subject.
  3. The enactment of the Electricity Act, 2003 by Parliament has not taken away the competence of State Legislatures to make laws on electricity.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only