Theme T153 · Energy & Environment

Renewable energy transition: solar, wind, EVs, green corridor

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What UPSC asks

Cross-paper and repeated: solar's ecological and economic benefits, regional variation of solar, wind's limited spatial spread, 50% renewables by 2030, falling solar tariffs, green energy corridor, LED programme, and EVs.

Prepare these

• Targets (500 GW non-fossil by 2030)
• Solar parks, rooftop schemes
• Wind potential and constraints
• Green energy corridors, storage
• EV policy (FAME, PLI)

Answer writing

• Use data; link to climate commitments

Directive words in these PYQs: Explain (3), Compare (1), Examine (1), Justify (1), Do you think (1), Elaborate (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L11 — Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
• GS3-L9 — Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

All 9 PYQs, newest first

1. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-05-M2025-Q06

   Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.

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2. GS3202315 marks · 250 wordsGS3-ECO-06-M2023-Q15

   The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

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3. GS1202210 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-05-M2022-Q07

   Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread.

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4. GS3202215 marks · 250 wordsGS3-ECO-06-M2022-Q12

   Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.

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5. GS12020GS1-GEO-05-M2020-S02

   India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.

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6. GS32020GS3-ECO-06-M2020-S01

   Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose?

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7. GS32016GS3-ECO-06-M2016-S01

   Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

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8. GS32015GS3-ECO-06-M2015-S01

   To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry?

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9. GS32013GS3-ECO-06-M2013-S01

   Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.

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