Which of the following are essential prerequisites for establishment of a thermal power station ? 1. Availability of fossil fuels 2. Proximity to a river, lake or sea 3. Good transport network 4. Proximity to an urban centre Select the correct answer using the code given below ;

The establishment of a thermal power station requires several critical prerequisites. First, the availability of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, or natural gas is essential as they are the primary raw materials for generation [2]. Second, proximity to a water source (river, lake, or sea) is vital for cooling purposes and disposal of trade effluents [1]. Third, a robust transport network involving road, rail, or sea is necessary to deliver massive quantities of fuel and construction materials [1]. While electricity is transmitted to urban load centres via a distribution grid, the power plant itself is often located near fuel sources or water bodies rather than within urban centres to avoid pollution and land constraints [3]. Therefore, fossil fuels, water proximity, and transport connectivity are essential prerequisites, making options 1, 2, and 3 correct.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Thermal Electricity > p. 24
2. [2] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Rock Minerals > p. 115
3. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/power-station