Q21. What is the most appropriate reason for Rajasthan possessing the highest solar radiation potential in India?
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 21–30 of 79 questions
Q22. The average solar insolation in Rajasthan is approximately in which of the following ranges?
Explanation
Rajasthan receives some of the highest solar radiation in India, with average insolation values typically ranging between 5.5 and 6.5 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day. This high intensity makes the state extremely efficient for solar power production. Developers leverage this natural abundance to generate significant amounts of clean energy, contributing to the state’s massive overall installed capacity.
Q23. Consider the following statements regarding the conditions in western Rajasthan for solar power:
I. The region provides large expanses of flat, undeveloped land at low costs.
II. The region has a highly dense population which provides immediate local consumption for large utility-scale plants.
III. The region experiences frequent sandstorms which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency and require cleaning mechanisms.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The region provides large expanses of flat, undeveloped land at low costs.
II. The region has a highly dense population which provides immediate local consumption for large utility-scale plants.
III. The region experiences frequent sandstorms which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency and require cleaning mechanisms.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Western Rajasthan provides vast, flat, and relatively inexpensive land, which is perfect for large-scale solar utility projects. However, the region’s sparse population means electricity is often transmitted far from the generation site. Additionally, frequent sandstorms present an operational challenge, as dust accumulation on panels can reduce efficiency, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal power output.
Q24. Identify the incorrect statement regarding Rajasthan’s solar potential:
Explanation
Rajasthan’s solar policy is highly inclusive and actively encourages private sector investment rather than restricting generation to state-owned units. Private developers have been responsible for a majority of the capacity additions in Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. The state also promotes rooftop solar and is working to reduce transmission losses through dedicated projects like the Green Energy Corridor.
Q25. Arrange the developmental phases of the Bhadla Solar Park in the correct order of their implementation:
I. Bhadla Phase-III (1000 MW)
II. Bhadla Phase-I (65 MW)
III. Bhadla Phase-IV (500 MW)
IV. Bhadla Phase-II (680 MW)
I. Bhadla Phase-III (1000 MW)
II. Bhadla Phase-I (65 MW)
III. Bhadla Phase-IV (500 MW)
IV. Bhadla Phase-II (680 MW)
Explanation
The development of the Bhadla Solar Park occurred in several distinct phases to manage its massive scale. Phase I was the initial smaller implementation, followed by Phase II. Phase III and Phase IV involved significantly larger capacities, eventually reaching a total that made it the largest solar park in the world. This phased approach allowed for structured infrastructure and grid integration.
Q26. What is the approximate total installed capacity of the Bhadla Solar Park, making it the world’s largest solar park?
Explanation
The Bhadla Solar Park is recognized globally for its immense scale, with a total installed capacity of approximately 2,245 MW. Spread over a vast area in the Jodhpur district, this facility contributes a significant portion of Rajasthan’s total renewable energy output. Its success has served as a model for large-scale solar park developments across India and other countries.
Q27. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:
| Bhadla Solar Park Phases | Developing Agencies/Joint Ventures |
|---|---|
| A. Phase II | i. Saurya Urja Company of Rajasthan Ltd (Joint venture with IL&FS) |
| B. Phase III | ii. Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Ltd (RSDCL) |
| C. Phase IV | iii. Adani Renewable Energy Park Rajasthan Ltd |
| D. Nodal Agency for overall facilitation | iv. Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC) |
Explanation
Different phases of the Bhadla Solar Park were developed by various agencies and joint ventures. The Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company managed Phase II, while Saurya Urja Company handled Phase III. Adani Renewable Energy Park was responsible for Phase IV, and the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation acts as the overall facilitator for these diverse renewable energy initiatives in the state.
Q28. Consider the following statements regarding the Bhadla Solar Park:
I. It is located in the Phalodi district of Rajasthan.
II. It is spread over a total area of approximately 14,000 acres.
III. The park was developed in a single, unified phase by a central government agency.
IV. It has achieved some of the lowest solar power tariffs in India through competitive bidding.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is located in the Phalodi district of Rajasthan.
II. It is spread over a total area of approximately 14,000 acres.
III. The park was developed in a single, unified phase by a central government agency.
IV. It has achieved some of the lowest solar power tariffs in India through competitive bidding.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Bhadla Solar Park is located in the Phalodi district and covers a massive area of approximately 14,000 acres. It was developed in multiple phases by different agencies, rather than a single unified phase. The park has gained international attention for achieving record-low solar power tariffs through competitive bidding, demonstrating the economic viability of large-scale renewable energy projects in Rajasthan.
Q29. Where was Rajasthan’s first wind power project established?
Explanation
Rajasthan’s journey into wind energy began with its first project established at Amarsagar in the Jaisalmer district. This pioneering installation took advantage of the region’s strong and consistent wind currents. Since then, Jaisalmer has grown into a major hub for wind power, hosting numerous large-scale wind farms that contribute significantly to the state’s total renewable energy capacity.
Q30. What is the primary cause for the concentration of major wind farms in the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts?
Explanation
The concentration of wind farms in Jaisalmer and Barmer is primarily due to the presence of high-velocity wind corridors. The flat, open landscape and lack of significant natural barriers like forests or mountains allow winds to flow consistently and forcefully. These geographical features create an ideal environment for harvesting wind energy efficiently, driving the growth of the sector.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (a) Proximity to the Thar Desert and optimal positioning near the Tropic of Cancer. |
| 22 | (c) 5.5 - 6.5 kWh/m2/day |
| 23 | (a) I and III only |
| 24 | (c) Rajasthan’s solar policy only permits state- owned public sector units to establish solar generation plants. |
| 25 | (a) II, IV, I, III |
| 26 | (b) 2,245 MW |
| 27 | (b) A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-iv |
| 28 | (a) I, II and IV |
| 29 | (c) Amarsagar (Jaisalmer) |
| 30 | (a) High-velocity wind corridors unhindered by dense forests or high mountains. |
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.