Q1. Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the general overview of the installed power capacity in Rajasthan as of recent assessments?
Energy Infrastructure in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
79 RAS Prelims MCQs on energy infrastructure in Rajasthan cover renewable energy, power distribution and the financial health of DISCOMs. The Solar Energy Policy 2019, wind parks, the Green Energy Corridor, UDAY, RDSS, smart meters, AT&C losses and green hydrogen are asked as facts, causes and effects.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the energy scenario in Rajasthan:
I. Rajasthan has the highest installed capacity of solar power among all Indian states.
II. The state is a net importer of electricity during peak daytime hours due to low generation.
III. Thermal power continues to play a critical role in providing base-load grid stability.
Which of the above combination of statements is correct?
I. Rajasthan has the highest installed capacity of solar power among all Indian states.
II. The state is a net importer of electricity during peak daytime hours due to low generation.
III. Thermal power continues to play a critical role in providing base-load grid stability.
Which of the above combination of statements is correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan maintains the highest installed solar power capacity in India due to favorable geographical conditions. While solar energy provides significant power during the day, thermal power remains essential for grid stability by providing a reliable base load. The state often acts as a net exporter during peak solar generation hours, rather than a net importer, due to its surplus production.
Q3. In the context of Rajasthan’s power sector, what is the primary function of the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL)?
Explanation
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited is the primary public sector undertaking responsible for power generation within the state. It manages the development and operation of various state-owned power projects, including thermal, gas, and hydel plants. Its core mission is to ensure efficient electricity production to meet the growing demand, maintaining technical excellence across its diverse generation portfolio.
Q4. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option.
Assertion (A): The share of renewable energy in Rajasthan’s total installed capacity has seen exponential growth in the last decade.
Reason (R): The topographical and climatic conditions of western Rajasthan, characterized by high solar insolation and barren land availability, highly favor large-scale solar project installations.
Assertion (A): The share of renewable energy in Rajasthan’s total installed capacity has seen exponential growth in the last decade.
Reason (R): The topographical and climatic conditions of western Rajasthan, characterized by high solar insolation and barren land availability, highly favor large-scale solar project installations.
Explanation
The western region of Rajasthan offers ideal conditions for renewable energy expansion, specifically solar power. High solar insolation and the presence of vast, underutilized barren lands provide a perfect environment for establishing massive utility-scale solar projects. This geographical advantage has directly led to the exponential growth of the state’s total installed renewable capacity over the last ten years.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Suratgarh Super Thermal Power Station:
I. It is located in the Sri Ganganagar district.
II. It operates solely on natural gas.
III. It receives its water supply from the Indira Gandhi Canal.
IV. It is operated by the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL).
V. It has both subcritical and supercritical generation units.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is located in the Sri Ganganagar district.
II. It operates solely on natural gas.
III. It receives its water supply from the Indira Gandhi Canal.
IV. It is operated by the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL).
V. It has both subcritical and supercritical generation units.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Suratgarh Super Thermal Power Station, located in Sri Ganganagar, is a coal-based facility, not gas-fired. It is operated by the state-owned generation company and draws essential water for its cooling systems from the Indira Gandhi Canal. The plant features a mix of traditional subcritical units and modern supercritical units, reflecting a technological evolution in the state’s power infrastructure.
Q6. Identify the exception. All of the following are major coal or lignite-based thermal power projects in Rajasthan, except:
Explanation
While Giral, Barsingsar, and Bhadresh are thermal projects that utilize coal or lignite as their primary fuel source, the Ramgarh project is distinct as it uses natural gas for electricity generation. Located in Jaisalmer, Ramgarh leverages local gas reserves. This diversification of fuel sources helps Rajasthan maintain a more balanced and resilient power generation portfolio across different regions.
Q7. The Kota Super Thermal Power Station draws its cooling water requirements primarily from which of the following sources?
Explanation
The Kota Super Thermal Power Station is situated on the banks of the Chambal River to ensure a reliable water supply for its cooling and steam generation processes. It primarily draws water from the Kota Barrage. This proximity to a perennial water source was a key factor in the site selection, supporting the continuous operation of this vital plant.
Q8. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:
| Nuclear Reactor Types/Projects | Characteristics/Locations |
|---|---|
| A. RAPS Units 1 & 2 | i. Heavy Water |
| B. RAPS Units 7 & 8 | ii. Natural Uranium |
| C. Fuel used in RAPS | iii. Older generation capacity models (100-200 MW) |
| D. Moderator used in RAPS | iv. Indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors |
Explanation
Nuclear power in Rajasthan utilizes specialized technologies for energy production. The earlier units at Rawatbhata have smaller capacities, while the newest units use indigenous 700 MW pressurized heavy water reactor technology. These reactors typically utilize natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator. This technical configuration allows for efficient nuclear fission while maintaining stringent safety and operational standards.
Q9. The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) at Rawatbhata operates on which of the following reactor technologies?
Explanation
The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station at Rawatbhata is built using Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor technology. This design uses heavy water as both a coolant and a neutron moderator, while natural uranium serves as the fuel. PHWRs are a cornerstone of India’s nuclear power program, offering a reliable and established method for large-scale, low-carbon electricity generation.
Q10. The following question consists of two statements--Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer the question by selecting the appropriate option.
Assertion (A): The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) is strategically located at Rawatbhata in the Chittorgarh district.
Reason (R): The availability of abundant water from the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam on the Chambal River is essential for the cooling requirements of the nuclear reactors.
Assertion (A): The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) is strategically located at Rawatbhata in the Chittorgarh district.
Reason (R): The availability of abundant water from the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam on the Chambal River is essential for the cooling requirements of the nuclear reactors.
Explanation
Rawatbhata in the Chittorgarh district was selected as the site for the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station due to its proximity to the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam. Nuclear reactors require massive and continuous quantities of water for cooling their systems. The dam provides a stable and sufficient water source, ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of the state’s nuclear generation infrastructure.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Renewables like solar and wind now exceed thermal power in the state’s total installed capacity. |
| 2 | (a) I and III only |
| 3 | (c) To develop and operate all state-owned power generation facilities and plants. |
| 4 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 5 | (c) I, III, IV and V |
| 6 | (d) Ramgarh Gas Thermal Power Station |
| 7 | (a) Chambal River via Kota Barrage |
| 8 | (b) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i |
| 9 | (b) Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) |
| 10 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
Key facts from Energy Infrastructure in Rajasthan
- Under the Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy 2019, the 30 GW target gave 24 GW to utility-scale solar parks.
- Soda Bandhan is a wind energy park in Jaisalmer.
- The Green Energy Corridor of RVPNL evacuates solar and wind power to the national grid.
- AT&C losses means Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses; theft, unmetered connections and poor collection cause them.
- UDAY brought a debt takeover for DISCOMs; RDSS funds smart metering and infrastructure upgrades; PM-KUSUM solarises agricultural pumps and Saubhagya electrified households.
- Pre-paid smart meters give upfront revenue collection; Rajasthan can be a green hydrogen hub because of its cheap renewable power.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Energy Infrastructure in Rajasthan?
This page has 79 practice MCQs on Energy Infrastructure in Rajasthan (Rajasthan Economy). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What does AT&C loss mean?
Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses, which combine the energy lost in transmission and distribution with the revenue lost through theft, billing errors and poor collection. It is the main measure of a DISCOM’s efficiency.
Which scheme is used to install smart meters in Rajasthan?
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). It supports smart metering and distribution upgrades to reduce AT&C losses, and pre-paid smart meters help DISCOMs get their revenue upfront, which improves their cash flow.
What is the solar capacity target of the 2019 policy?
30 GW, of which 24 GW is allotted to utility or grid-scale solar parks. The rest is meant for rooftop, decentralised projects and solar pumps, which together are a much smaller part of the target.