UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

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”?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. All four

Answer

Correct Answer

All four

Explanation

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small-scale energy generation, storage or related resources located close to where electricity is consumed. Battery storage can store and release electricity locally. Biomass generators and fuel cells can provide decentralized electricity generation. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units generate electricity at the point of consumption. Thus, all four qualify as DERs. Options A, B and C are incorrect because they exclude one or more technologies that fall within the definition.

Topics: decentralized electricity generation and storage, distributed energy resources, energy systems, environment