This question was asked inGPSC Deputy Executive Engineer (Electrical) Class-2 Master Paper 2026Question 103 of 195 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q103EasyPower Generation

Consider the following statements regarding pumped storage plants:
1. A pumped storage plant is a base load plant.
2. The starting time of a pumped storage plant is very short.
3. Reversible turbines and pumps are highly suitable for pumped storage plants.
Which of these statements are correct?

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Quick explanation

Pumped-storage hydro stores energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir during low-demand periods and generating during peaks. Its rapid start and reversible pump-turbine equipment make it valuable for peak support, balancing and reserves rather than as a conventional base-load plant. Key relation: Stored potential energy≈ρgH·volume.

Exam focus: Pumped storage shifts energy in time; it does not create net energy. Common trap: Do not classify it as a normal base-load plant.

Statement-wise Verification

  • Statement 1 - Incorrect.
    A pumped storage plant is a base load plant.
    Pumped storage is typically used for peak support, balancing and storage rather than continuous base load
  • Statement 2 - Correct.
    The starting time of a pumped storage plant is very short.
    Pumped storage shifts energy in time; it does not create net energy.
  • Statement 3 - Correct.
    Reversible turbines and pumps are highly suitable for pumped storage plants.
    Pumped storage shifts energy in time; it does not create net energy.

Core Concept

Pumped-storage hydro stores energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir during low-demand periods and generating during peaks. Its rapid start and reversible pump-turbine equipment make it valuable for peak support, balancing and reserves rather than as a conventional base-load plant.

Formula / Key Relationship

Stored potential energy≈ρgH·volume.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A is incorrect because it includes incorrect statement(s) 1 and omits correct statement(s) 3. Option C is incorrect because it includes incorrect statement(s) 1 and omits correct statement(s) 2. Option D is incorrect because it includes incorrect statement(s) 1.

Exam Shortcut / Approach

Pumped storage shifts energy in time; it does not create net energy.

Common Mistake

Do not classify it as a normal base-load plant.

Quick Revision

Pumped Storage Operation is linked with Pumped Storage, Power Plants and Power Systems. Pumped storage shifts energy in time; it does not create net energy.

Exam tipPumped storage shifts energy in time; it does not create net energy.
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