Daily Current Affairs : 17-September-2024

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has recently launched the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas, a significant initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of ocean energy within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, provides vital data that can help India tap into its vast marine energy resources. The Atlas highlights the potential of renewable energy sources from the ocean, which could play a crucial role in India’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.

What Does the Ocean Energy Atlas Offer?

The Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas offers valuable insights into the renewable energy potential found in various oceanic resources. These resources include:

  • Solar Energy: Energy derived from the sun’s radiation on the ocean’s surface.
  • Wind Energy: Wind patterns over the sea that can be harnessed through turbines.
  • Wave Energy: Energy generated from the movement of waves.
  • Tidal Energy: Energy produced from the rise and fall of ocean tides.
  • Ocean Currents: Energy from the continuous movement of ocean water.
  • Thermal Gradients: Energy harnessed from the temperature differences between warm surface water and colder deep ocean water.

Key Features of the Atlas

The Ocean Energy Atlas provides detailed energy estimates for each of these resources, making it an essential tool for both researchers and policymakers. The data is presented through a WebGIS interface, which allows users to access energy estimates for various timeframes. These estimates are available in:

  • Annual Estimates: Overview of yearly energy availability.
  • Monthly Estimates: Monthly variations in energy potential.
  • Daily Estimates: Day-to-day energy potential, helping with more precise planning.

Importance of the Atlas

The Atlas will serve as an important tool for sustainable energy development in India, helping the country to explore new sources of clean energy. It will guide future projects related to offshore renewable energy and help policymakers make informed decisions about where to invest in marine energy infrastructure.

By identifying the regions with the most potential for renewable marine energy, the Atlas can also play a key role in reducing India’s reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. With its comprehensive data, it provides a clear path for the country to move towards a more sustainable energy future.

Important Points:

  • INCOIS Launches Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched an atlas for India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to explore marine energy resources.
  • Key Renewable Energy Sources Identified: The atlas focuses on six types of renewable ocean energy:
    • Solar Energy
    • Wind Energy
    • Wave Energy
    • Tidal Energy
    • Ocean Currents
    • Thermal Gradients
  • Energy Estimates Available: The atlas provides energy estimates in three timeframes:
    • Annual Estimates: Overview of yearly energy potential
    • Monthly Estimates: Energy variations by month
    • Daily Estimates: Detailed day-to-day energy availability
  • WebGIS Interface: The energy estimates are accessible through an easy-to-use WebGIS platform, allowing users to explore data interactively.
  • Supports Sustainable Energy Development: The atlas aims to guide India’s transition to clean, renewable energy by identifying high-potential marine energy zones.
  • Helps Policymakers and Researchers: The data aids policy decisions and the planning of future renewable energy projects in India’s coastal regions.
  • Contributes to Climate Goals: By promoting the use of marine energy, the atlas helps reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change mitigation.
  • Key Step Towards Energy Independence: The launch of the atlas is a significant step in unlocking India’s untapped marine energy resources and working towards a more sustainable energy future.

Why In News

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched the “Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas” for India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), revealing the vast potential of marine energy resources and offering a comprehensive tool to explore renewable energy opportunities from the ocean. This groundbreaking initiative aims to support India’s transition to sustainable energy by harnessing the power of the seas in a more efficient and informed manner.

MCQs about The Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas

  1. What is the main purpose of the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas launched by INCOIS?
    A. To explore new oil reserves in the Indian Ocean
    B. To identify potential renewable energy resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone
    C. To map out all marine biodiversity in India’s EEZ
    D. To study the impact of climate change on ocean currents
    Correct Answer: B. To identify potential renewable energy resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone
    Explanation: The main purpose of the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas is to explore and identify renewable marine energy resources like wind, solar, tidal, and wave energy within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), helping in sustainable energy development.
  2. Which of the following types of energy is NOT highlighted in the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas?
    A. Wave Energy
    B. Solar Energy
    C. Coal Energy
    D. Ocean Current Energy
    Correct Answer: C. Coal Energy
    Explanation: The Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas focuses on renewable ocean energy sources like wind, wave, solar, tidal, ocean currents, and thermal gradients. Coal energy is not part of the atlas, as it is a fossil fuel, not a renewable energy source.
  3. How does the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas present energy data?
    A. Through a mobile application only
    B. Via printed reports
    C. Using a WebGIS interface
    D. Through video tutorials
    Correct Answer: C. Using a WebGIS interface
    Explanation: The atlas provides energy estimates using a WebGIS interface, which is an interactive online platform that allows users to explore and access energy data for different timeframes (annual, monthly, and daily).
  4. What role does the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas play in India’s energy future?
    A. It helps explore and develop renewable energy from ocean resources
    B. It provides data on fossil fuel reserves in the Indian Ocean
    C. It helps in the construction of nuclear power plants
    D. It predicts weather patterns across the globe
    Correct Answer: A. It helps explore and develop renewable energy from ocean resources
    Explanation: The atlas plays a crucial role in helping India explore and develop renewable marine energy resources, contributing to the country’s shift towards more sustainable and clean energy solutions by providing data on ocean energy potential.

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