UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 25
Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.
- The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.
- The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: Biomass gasification converts agricultural residues into producer gas usable for heat and in suitably conditioned engines.
Statement/Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husks are suitable feedstocks.
2: Incorrect - Producer gas contains combustible CO, H₂ and often methane, plus CO₂ and nitrogen; not just H₂ and CO₂.
3: Incorrect - After cleaning and conditioning, producer gas can fuel internal-combustion engines.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - includes exactly the valid statements/items and excludes the invalid ones.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect items 2, 3; omits correct item 1.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect item 3.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect items 2, 3.