UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 44
Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (Long duration energy storage)
Explanation: Pumped-storage hydropower moves water uphill using surplus electricity and releases it through turbines later, making it a large-scale, long-duration electricity-storage option.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-Terraced-field irrigation distributes crop water, not grid electricity across time.
B. Incorrect-Lift irrigation pumps water for farming, not paired reservoir energy storage.
C. Correct-water’s stored gravitational energy allows multi-hour power supply.
D. Incorrect-Rainwater harvesting collects water, not necessarily stores electricity for later generation.