UPSC Prelims 2017 · Question 97 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2017 question on Algal Biofuels Limitations

It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?

1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.

2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuels production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is complete.

3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Verdict

The answer is 2 and 3 only. Algal biofuel needs high expertise and large scale facilities, but it is not restricted to seas.

Analysis

Statement 1 is INCORRECT. Algal biofuel production is possible both at sea and on land, and land based systems using marginal or non crop land and brackish or polluted water are in fact more developed than sea based ones. Statement 2 is CORRECT. Developing and engineering the technology requires a high level of expertise until construction is complete, and improving productivity demands further knowledge and experience. Statement 3 is CORRECT. Economically viable production requires large scale facilities and significant capital, which raises ecological and social concerns over land and water use.

Source

Food and Agriculture Organization material on algal biofuels and press reporting.

How to crack it

Statement 1 is an absolute, claiming production is possible in seas only, and one counter example destroys it. The counter example is easy to reach by reasoning: algae grow in ponds and tanks, and a controlled pond is far easier to engineer than an open ocean facility, so land based production must be at least as feasible. Note that the question asks about limitations for developing countries specifically, which is why expertise and capital dominate the correct statements.

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