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.
Showing 11–20 of 79 questions
Explanation
The Chambal Valley Project is a major joint venture between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, involving a series of dams and powerhouses on the Chambal River. This partnership allows both states to share the benefits of hydroelectric power and irrigation. Other projects like Bhakra Nangal and Mahi Bajaj Sagar involve different state combinations, illustrating inter-state cooperation in resource management.Explanation
Rajasthan’s potential for developing large-scale domestic hydroelectric projects is constrained by its geography and climate. The state is predominantly arid or semi-arid and lacks numerous perennial rivers with significant flow and head. Apart from the Chambal and Mahi rivers, most watercourses are seasonal, making it difficult to maintain the consistent water levels required for year-round hydroelectric power generation.| Hydroelectric Projects | Partner States of Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| A. Bhakra Nangal | i. Madhya Pradesh |
| B. Chambal Valley | ii. Gujarat |
| C. Mahi Bajaj Sagar | iii. Punjab and Haryana |
| D. Beas Project | iv. Punjab and Himachal Pradesh (historically shared benefits) |
Explanation
Rajasthan participates in several multi-state hydroelectric projects to secure its power needs. Bhakra Nangal involves Punjab and Haryana, while the Chambal Valley project is shared with Madhya Pradesh. The Mahi Bajaj Sagar project is a partnership with Gujarat, and the Beas project involves Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. These collaborations are vital for the state’s energy and water security.I. It is situated on the Mahi River in the Banswara district.
II. The power generated from this project is shared equally between Rajasthan and Gujarat.
III. 100% of the hydroelectricity generated is utilized by Rajasthan.
IV. It was primarily designed to benefit the tribal belts of southern Rajasthan.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Mahi Bajaj Sagar project, located in Banswara on the Mahi River, plays a crucial role in providing electricity and irrigation to the southern tribal regions. While the water is shared with Gujarat, Rajasthan consumes the entire amount of hydroelectricity generated by this specific project. This unique arrangement ensures that the state maximizes the benefit of renewable energy from its river resources.Explanation
As part of the inter-state agreement for the Bhakra Nangal project, Rajasthan is entitled to a specific percentage of the power generated. This share is approximately 15.2%, providing a steady source of hydroelectricity from the Satluj River. This allocation helps the state diversify its energy sources and meet its consumption requirements through established regional power-sharing mechanisms.Assertion (A): Rajasthan is considered the most favorable state in India for the development of solar energy.
Reason (R): Rajasthan receives the highest solar radiation in the country, averaging 300-330 clear sunny days a year, coupled with vast tracts of uncultivable wasteland.
Explanation
Rajasthan’s status as a premier solar energy hub is due to its exceptional environmental conditions. The state enjoys over 300 days of clear sunshine annually and possesses vast tracts of barren wasteland. These factors provide the necessary solar insolation and physical space for large-scale solar power development, making the state an ideal location for investors and renewable energy projects.Explanation
Rajasthan currently tops the list of Indian states in terms of total solar power generation capacity. It is followed by Gujarat, which has also made significant strides in renewable energy. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu follow in the ranking. This hierarchy reflects the successful implementation of state policies and the utilization of natural solar resources to achieve national green energy targets.Explanation
The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited serves as the designated nodal agency for developing solar parks and power projects within the state. It facilitates the implementation of state and central government policies, oversees project approvals, and coordinates with various stakeholders to promote renewable energy. Its role is central to maintaining Rajasthan’s leadership in the solar power sector.I. The PM KUSUM scheme promotes the installation of standalone solar agriculture pumps.
II. The state government allows setting up solar projects on agricultural land under the KUSUM scheme.
III. Bhadla Solar Park is the only approved solar park in the state.
IV. Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy aims to promote decentralised solar power generation.
V. The state provides massive subsidies for importing coal to balance solar variability.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
While the PM KUSUM scheme and various state policies promote decentralized solar power and agricultural solarization, Bhadla is not the only solar park in Rajasthan, as several others are under development. Additionally, the state does not provide subsidies for coal to balance solar variability; instead, it focuses on grid management and integrating diverse renewable energy sources.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (c) 700 MW each |
| 12 | (c) Chambal Valley Project - Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh |
| 13 | (b) Absence of perennial rivers and generally arid to semi-arid climatic conditions. |
| 14 | (d) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 15 | (a) I, III and IV |
| 16 | (a) 15.2% |
| 17 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 18 | (b) Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu |
| 19 | (c) Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) |
| 20 | (d) III and V only |
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.