GATE EE 2015 Set 1 — Question 27

MCQ+1 / -0.33EasyPower Generation MethodsGeneration & TransmissionPower Systems

Power Systems → Generation & Transmission → Power Generation Methods

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Base load power plants are P: wind farms. Q: run-of-river plants. R: nuclear power plants. S: diesel power plants.

Correct answer (D) Q and R only Solution Base load power plants are those that provide a steady flow of power to meet the minimum demand of the grid throughout the day. Nuclear power plants (R) are ideal for base load because they have high capital costs and low operating costs, and they are difficult to ramp up or down quickly. Run-of-river hydroelectric plants (Q) are also considered base load because they utilize the continuous flow of a river and typically lack significant storage capacity to vary output for peak loads. Wind farms (P) are intermittent and unpredictable, making them unsuitable for base load without massive storage. Diesel power plants (S) have high fuel costs and are generally used for peak loads or emergency backup. Therefore, the correct combination is Q and R only. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (D) Q and R only Solution Base load power plants are those that provide a steady flow of power to meet the minimum demand of the grid throughout the day. Nuclear power plants (R) are ideal for base load because they have high capital costs and low operating costs, and they are difficult to ramp up or down quickly. Run-of-river hydroelectric plants (Q) are also considered base load because they utilize the continuous flow of a river and typically lack significant storage capacity to vary output for peak loads. Wind farms (P) are intermittent and unpredictable, making them unsuitable for base load without massive storage. Diesel power plants (S) have high fuel costs and are generally used for peak loads or emergency backup. Therefore, the correct combination is Q and R only.

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