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UPSC Prelims 1982 · Indian Geography · Minerals and Energy
The largest source of energy in India is
- (a) Hydro-electric
- (b) Solar
- (c) Thermal
- (d) Nuclear
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) Thermal
Thermal (mostly coal) was and is India’s largest power source.
The idea
A thermal station turns heat into electricity, while hydropower uses moving water. A source comparison must distinguish installed capacity from actual generation. Read this 1982 question in its electricity-supply context rather than adding a current percentage.
Fuel releases heat → Water becomes steam → Steam turns a turbine → Turbine drives a generator → Electricity enters the transmission system
Why the others are wrong
(a) Hydro is significant but second.
(d) Nuclear is small (~3%).
Also know
Solar photovoltaic cells produce electricity directly, while solar thermal systems collect heat. Nuclear stations also use a heat–steam cycle, although electricity statistics often list nuclear separately from fossil-fuel thermal power. Coal and gas plants have different fuel and operating requirements.
🔒 Coal ≈ 70%+ of India’s electricity generation.
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