Daily Current Affairs : 3-January-2023

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has taken a commendable stride towards advancing standardization in the field of Marine Energy Conversion Systems (MECS) by establishing the Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee under ETD 54. This move aims to set up comprehensive standards and guidelines for various facets of MECS, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the domain.

Understanding Marine Energy Conversion Systems

Marine Energy Conversion Systems encompass technologies that tap into the vast energy potential of the ocean, transforming it into electricity or other usable forms. Some prominent examples include:

  • Tidal Energy: Harnessing the rise and fall of tides to generate electricity through tidal turbines or barrages.
  • Wave Energy: Capturing the kinetic energy of ocean waves through devices like wave energy converters to generate power.
  • Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): Utilizing temperature variations between warm surface water and cold deep water to produce electricity.
  • Salinity Gradient Power: Generating energy by exploiting the difference in salt concentration between freshwater and seawater.
The Role of BIS

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), headquartered in New Delhi, serves as the National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, effective from October 12, 2017, it replaced the Indian Standards Institution (ISI). The BIS Act designates the Minister in charge of the relevant Ministry as the ex-officio President. Additionally, BIS functions as India’s WTO-TBT (Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade) enquiry point.

Important Points:
  • BIS Initiative: Marine Energy Conversion Systems (MECS)
    • Establishment of the Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee under ETD 54 by BIS.
    • Objective: Develop comprehensive standards and guidelines for MECS.
    • Aim: Foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the MECS domain.
  • Marine Energy Conversion Systems (MECS) Overview
    • Definition: Technologies that harness energy from the ocean, converting it into electricity or other usable forms.
    • Examples:
      • Tidal Energy: Generated through tidal turbines or barrages by utilizing the rise and fall of tides.
      • Wave Energy: Capturing kinetic energy from ocean waves through devices like wave energy converters.
      • Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): Utilizing temperature differences between warm surface water and cold deep water.
      • Salinity Gradient Power: Generating energy from the difference in salt concentration between freshwater and seawater.
  • About BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)
    • National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
    • Established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, replacing the Indian Standards Institution (ISI).
    • BIS Act designates the Minister in charge of the relevant Ministry as the ex-officio President.
    • Functions as India’s WTO-TBT (Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade) enquiry point.
  • Significance of BIS’s Initiative
    • Advances standardization in the field of MECS.
    • Creates a collaborative environment for the development of sustainable marine energy technologies in India.
    • Reflects BIS’s commitment to setting standards and fostering innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Why In News

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has taken a significant step in promoting standardization in the field of Marine Energy Conversion Systems by establishing the Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee under ETD 54, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime energy sector.

MCQs about Marine Energy Conversion Systems

  1. What is the primary objective of the Marine Energy Conversion Systems (MECS) Sectional Committee established by BIS under ETD 54?
    A. Develop comprehensive standards and guidelines for MECS
    B. Conduct research on marine ecosystems
    C. Promote tourism in marine regions
    D. Facilitate deep-sea exploration for resources
    Correct Answer: A. Develop comprehensive standards and guidelines for MECS
    Explanation: The MECS Sectional Committee’s main objective is to develop comprehensive standards and guidelines for various aspects of Marine Energy Conversion Systems.
  2. Which of the following is an example of Marine Energy Conversion Systems (MECS) ?
    A. Solar Energy
    B. Wind Energy
    C. Tidal Energy
    D. Geothermal Energy
    Correct Answer: C. Tidal Energy
    Explanation: Tidal Energy, generated through tidal turbines or barrages by utilizing the rise and fall of tides, is explicitly mentioned as an example of MECS .
  3. What role does the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) play in the context of the Marine Energy Conversion Systems (MECS) initiative?
    A. Conducting marine energy research
    B. Developing international trade agreements
    C. Setting standards and guidelines for MECS
    D. Promoting marine conservation awareness
    Correct Answer: C. Setting standards and guidelines for MECS
    Explanation: BIS is involved in setting comprehensive standards and guidelines for MECS.

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