Pumped-storage hydropower context — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2024
Recently the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?
- Irrigation of terraced crop fields
- Lift irrigation of cereal crops
- Long duration energy storage
- Rainwater harvesting system
Explanation
Option (c) is correct
- Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage. It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations that can generate power as water moves down from one to the other (discharge), passing through a turbine. The system also requires power to pump water back into the upper reservoir (recharge). PSH acts like a giant battery because it can store energy and release it when needed.
Answer: (c) Long Duration energy storage: Difficulty Level: Medium
