- A. Irrigation of terraced crop fields
- B. Lift irrigation of cereal crops
- C. Long duration energy storage
- D. Rainwater harvesting system
Answer: C
Explanation
Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage system. It involves two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper one, storing energy. When electricity demand is high, water is released from the upper reservoir to the lower one, flowing through turbines to generate electricity. This process makes PSH an effective method for long-duration energy storage, balancing grid fluctuations and integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The other options (irrigation, rainwater harvesting) are related to water management but do not directly describe the primary function and context of pumped-storage hydropower. This question assesses understanding of renewable energy technologies and their role in energy security, a key topic in Environment & Ecology and Current Affairs.