Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on the passage:
The recent surge in power demand across North India, driven by record-breaking heatwaves, has brought the fragility of our energy infrastructure into sharp focus. As temperatures soar, the grid faces unprecedented pressure, leading to frequent outages that disrupt essential services. While the government has ramped up coal supply and increased solar energy integration, the underlying issue remains a lack of long-term storage solutions. Reliance on traditional grids, which were designed for more temperate climates, is no longer sufficient to handle the modern reality of extreme weather events.
True energy security in this era of climate volatility requires more than just generation capacity; it demands a radical overhaul of distribution networks and the adoption of smart-grid technology. Relying solely on short-term fixes—like diverting power from industrial sectors to domestic users—is a precarious strategy that hampers economic growth. Authorities must prioritise investment in large-scale battery storage and decentralised power systems to buffer against inevitable supply shocks. If the grid does not evolve to accommodate these shifts, the "cool comfort" of modern life will become an increasingly fragile luxury for millions, turning summer peaks into seasonal crises of public health and economic stability.
(Source: Editorial, "The heat and the grid: Powering through the crisis", published in The Indian Express on June 01, 2026.)
Based on the passage, why is "generation capacity" alone insufficient for energy security?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer: It cannot mitigate supply shocks without storage tools.
Explanation
• The passage highlights that simply increasing generation capacity (such as boosting coal supply and solar integration) is not enough because the core vulnerability lies in the lack of long-term storage solutions.
• It explicitly notes that authorities need to invest in large-scale battery storage and decentralised systems to protect the grid against inevitable supply shocks during extreme demand periods.
• Without storage tools to preserve and balance energy, high generation alone cannot prevent outages when demand peaks.