Correct AnswerB. Thermal power plant
Quick Explanation
Among the listed conventional choices, a thermal power plant has high operating cost because it continuously consumes large quantities of fuel and requires fuel handling, ash handling, boiler operation and significant maintenance. Hydroelectric/solar plants have very low fuel cost.
Detailed Explanation
Concept & Reasoning
Operating cost is different from initial capital cost. Thermal stations can have lower initial cost than large hydro/nuclear projects, but coal/gas/oil fuel expense dominates recurring cost. Nuclear fuel volume is small even though nuclear plants have high capital, safety and decommissioning costs.
How to Solve It in the Exam
High recurring fuel requirement → high operating cost.
Important Exam PointRead whether question asks capital cost or operating cost.
Related Revision Path
This question sits in the revision path Power Plant Engineering → Power Plant Economics → Operating Cost .
