UPSC 2017EnvironmentModerate

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 :

A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
Correct Answer
C
3 only
D
1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Option (B) is correct because algae-based biofuel production requires sophisticated engineering for cultivation and extraction (Statement 2) and necessitates large-scale facilities to be economically viable, which can trigger land-use and ecological conflicts (Statement 3). Statement 1 is factually incorrect as algae can be grown on land in photobioreactors or open ponds using non-arable land and wastewater, making options (a) and (d) the most common incorrect choices. The core concept tested is the technical, economic, and environmental challenges associated with the commercialization of Third Generation Biofuels.

Renewable EnergyAlgae-based BiofuelsAlgae-based biofuelsdeveloping countrieslimitationsseascontinentsexpertisetechnologylarge-scale facilitiesecological concernssocial concerns

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