Consider the following statements: 1. Geothermal energy can be used to produce electricity or it can be used directly for industry, agriculture, building and cleaning. 2. Nuclear energy is often cheaper than some other sources of electricity. 3. Thermal power stations burn fossil fuels to create steam to drive the turbines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Statement 1 is correct as geothermal energy is used for electricity generation via steam turbines [1][2] and for direct-use applications including heating buildings, industrial processes, and agriculture [4]. Statement 3 is correct because thermal power stations typically burn fossil fuels like coal or natural gas to heat water, creating steam that drives turbines to generate electricity [5][6]. Statement 2 is generally considered incorrect in a modern context; while nuclear energy has low operating costs, its high capital expenditure, long construction times, and decommissioning costs often make it more expensive than renewable sources like solar or wind in many regions. Since statements 1 and 3 are verified as correct, option 3 is the most accurate choice. Geothermal energy remains a versatile resource for both power and direct thermal needs [3][4].

Sources

1. [1] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Geo Thermal Energy > p. 118
2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > vii) Geothermal Energy > p. 53
3. [4] https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-basics
4. [5] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Renewabte energy comprises of > p. 287
5. [6] https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3
6. [3] https://docs.nrel.gov/docs/fy05osti/35939.pdf