Question 89 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Environm ent

Question

Consider the following:
1. Battery storage
2. Biomass generators
3. Fuel cells
4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units
How many of the above are considered 'Distributed Energy Resources'?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. All four

Strategy: Recognize that 'Distributed Energy Resources' comprises any small-scale, decentralized energy production or storage connected close to the point of use. All four options listed—battery storage, biomass generators, fuel cells, and rooftop solar photovoltaic units—fall under this category as they can each operate at the consumer or distribution level.

Key Info: Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are small-scale power generation or storage technologies typically located close to where electricity is used (consumer side of the meter). DER includes both generation—like rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) units, biomass generators, and fuel cells—and storage, such as battery systems.

• Battery Storage: These systems store energy for use at times of peak demand or outage. They can include lithium-ion, lead-acid, or other advanced batteries, functioning as both backup and grid-balancing resources.

• Biomass Generators: These convert organic materials (such as agricultural waste, wood chips, or biogas) into electricity. Their smaller, modular scale enables local deployment, making them suitable as DER.

• Fuel Cells: Electrochemical devices generating electricity through chemical reactions, often using hydrogen as a fuel source. Their compact size suits distributed applications in buildings or remote facilities.

• Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Units: Panels installed on buildings to convert sunlight into electricity, quintessential examples of distributed generation due to their direct connection to end-users.

DERs play a crucial role in modern power systems by increasing grid flexibility, enabling decentralized energy resilience, and supporting the integration of renewable sources. In regulatory and operational contexts worldwide (including India's MNRE and CEA guidelines), all these devices are acknowledged as DERs.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Only three

Consider the following: Battery storage Biomass generators Fuel cells Rooftop solar photovoltaic units How many of the above are considered 'Distributed Energy Resources'?

Consider the following:

Battery storage

Biomass generators

Fuel cells

Rooftop solar photovoltaic units
How many of the above are considered 'Distributed Energy Resources'?