Question

In India the most important source of energy is _______.
A. Petroleum
B. Coal
C. Nuclear
D. Hydro-electricty

Answer 1

Hint: There are different sources of energy that can be classified into commercial sources and noncommercial sources. Commercial sources are coal, petroleum, and electricity because they are bought and sold. Noncommercial sources are agricultural waste, cow dung, and fuelwood. Commercial energy consumption accounts for 74 percent of the total consumption in the country while noncommercial sources provide the remaining 26 percent.

Complete answer:
- Option A: Petroleum or crude oil is used for generating electricity and other purposes also. India is the third-largest consumer of crude oil in the world and it accounts for 29.55% of the total energy produced in India making it the second-largest source of electricity generation in India. Hence, this is an incorrect option.
- Option B: India is the second-largest consumer of coal and has the fifth-largest coal reserves in the world. Coal contributes to 55.88% of the total energy produced in the country making it the largest source of electricity generation and the most important source of energy. Hence, this is the correct option.
- Option C: India is ranked ninth in terms of nuclear capacity in the world and is advancing quickly. It is the fifth-largest source of energy production in India contributing 1.09% of the total energy produced. Hence, this is an incorrect option.
- Option D: India is ranked fourth for underutilized hydro power potential and it is the fourth-largest producer of energy in the country, it contributes 12.3% of the total energy produced in India. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Therefore, The correct answer is Option B.

Note: There are unconventional ways to produce commercial sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy, and tidal power. It accounts for 3.40 percent of the commercial energy consumption, while coal accounts for 55.88 percent, oil accounts for 29.55 percent, and natural gas accounts for 6.17 percent.