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 biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
- 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 :
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Answer: B. Statement 1 is wrong: algae can be grown on land in open ponds and closed photobioreactors, using fresh, brackish or waste water. Statement 2 is correct: designing and building algae biofuel plants needs high-level technology, which developing countries often lack. Statement 3 is correct: viable production needs large facilities, which raise land, water and social concerns. So 2 and 3 only.
Watch for: Watch for 'seas only'; most algae farming is in ponds and reactors on land.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong because algae can be grown on land, so statement 1 is false.
- C. Wrong because statement 2 is also a real limitation.
- D. Wrong because statement 1 is false.
Source to check: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, National Policy on Biofuels (mnre.gov.in); Department of Biotechnology, bioenergy programme; US Department of Energy, National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap (2010)
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.