General Studies 2022 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Examine

Q7

Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत में पवन ऊर्जा की संभावना का परीक्षण कीजिए एवं उनके सीमित क्षेत्रीय विस्तार के कारणों को समझाइए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दें)

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Directive word: Examine

This question asks you to examine. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'examine' requires a detailed investigation of wind energy potential followed by causal analysis of spatial limitations. Structure: brief introduction stating India's wind ranking → body split into potential assessment (resource base, installed capacity, targets) and spatial constraints (physical, economic, infrastructural factors) → conclusion linking to renewable energy transition.

Key points expected

India's wind energy potential: 302 GW at 100m hub height, 695 GW at 120m; current installed capacity ~45 GW; 4th globally
Favorable zones: Western Ghats (Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra), Rajasthan, Karnataka; seasonal wind patterns (SW monsoon, NE monsoon)
Spatial limitation reasons: Concentration in 8-10 states only; land acquisition conflicts; grid connectivity deficits in remote high-potential areas
Technical-economic barriers: Intermittency requiring storage; high initial capital costs; low capacity utilization factor (25-30%)
Policy gaps: Delayed wind-solar hybrid projects; repowering challenges in older Tamil Nadu farms; offshore wind yet to take off (Gujarat/Tamil Nadu identified)

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly distinguishes between 'examining potential' (assessing magnitude, distribution, achievability) and 'explaining limited spread' (causal analysis of constraints); treats both parts as interconnected rather than separate lists	Addresses both parts but treats them sequentially without integration; some confusion between potential assessment and constraint analysis	Misses one part entirely or conflates both; writes generic renewable energy essay without directive-specific treatment
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise data on potential (302/695 GW figures), installed capacity, CUF; accurate geographical distribution; correct technical reasons for spatial concentration (wind speed gradients, terrain)	Rough capacity figures; general mention of 'coastal areas' without specificity; mix of accurate and vague technical points	Incorrect or outdated statistics; factually wrong locations (e.g., citing wind potential in Indo-Gangetic plain); confused with solar potential
Structure & flow	20%	2	Tight 150-word discipline with clear part-A/part-B demarcation; logical progression from resource endowment to utilization barriers; smooth transitions between physical and economic constraints	Adequate structure but uneven weightage; either potential over-explained or constraints rushed; some abrupt jumps	Disorganized; no clear separation between potential and constraints; exceeds word limit or severely underwrites; bullet points without coherence
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific state-wise data (Gujarat 10+ GW installed, Tamil Nadu's aging Muppandal farms), recent MNRE targets (140 GW by 2030), offshore wind zones (Gujarat's Pipavav, Tamil Nadu's Mannar Gulf)	Mention of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat as leaders; general reference to Western Ghats; no specific project names or recent policy	No Indian examples; only generic global references; incorrect examples (citing solar parks like Bhadla for wind)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Forward-looking synthesis: links spatial constraints to solutions (offshore wind, repowering, hybrid projects); connects to India's net-zero 2070 commitment; identifies unlocking potential as key to energy security	Standard concluding statement on renewable energy importance; no specific linkage between constraints and solutions	Missing conclusion; abrupt end; repetitive summary without analytical value; generic platitudes on 'green energy'

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