UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurates Windergy India 2026 in Chennai; Outlines Path to 100 GW Wind Capacity by 2030

Q1. With reference to the procurement of renewable power through feed-in tariffs and through competitive reverse bidding, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Under a feed-in tariff the price per unit is fixed administratively in advance, whereas under reverse bidding it is discovered through the offers of competing developers.
  2. Because the lowest bidder wins, a shift from feed-in tariffs to reverse bidding necessarily increases the share of awarded capacity that is actually commissioned.
  3. Under a feed-in tariff the producer is assured of the fixed tariff however low market prices fall, so the price risk is borne largely by the buyer of the power.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 2 and 3 only

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

  1. In India's wind sector, a sharp fall in discovered tariffs has coexisted with slow conversion of awarded capacity into commissioned projects.
  2. Under reverse auctions, developers may quote tariffs so low that their projects become financially unviable and are abandoned after award.
  • 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. With reference to Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) in India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Under the Electricity Act, 2003, State Electricity Regulatory Commissions have the power to specify renewable purchase obligations for consumption of electricity within their States.
  2. An obligated entity may meet its obligation by buying Renewable Energy Certificates instead of physically buying renewable power.
  3. The obligation applies not only to distribution companies but also to captive power plants and open access consumers.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q4. With reference to financial support instruments for wind power in India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Viability Gap Funding for offshore wind is a central grant towards project cost, meant to lower the tariff at which the power can be sold to distribution companies.
  2. Under India's Generation Based Incentive scheme for wind, the incentive was paid per unit of electricity fed into the grid, over and above the feed-in tariff provided by States.
  3. A Generation Based Incentive, like Viability Gap Funding, is released in full at commissioning, whatever the electricity the project later supplies.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 2 only

Q5. With reference to the Great Indian Bustard and the power lines carrying renewable energy from its habitat, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The bird collides with power lines mainly because it flies at great heights at night during long-distance migration.
  2. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  3. In 2024 the Supreme Court moved away from a blanket restriction on overhead lines in its habitat towards an expert committee that assesses feasibility case by case.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only