---
title: "Steam boilers: weaknesses and better energy option"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_5/communication_english:steam-boilers-weaknesses-energy-nepal"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/steam-boilers-weaknesses-energy-nepal
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Steam boilers: weaknesses and better energy option

Communication English · Chapter 2: Extensive Reading

- Asked in: 2071 Chaitra, 5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/steam-boilers-weaknesses-energy-nepal
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-2

## Question

Point out weaknesses of steam boilers and suggest any other better option of source of energy in context of Nepal. Tell why you think that could be the better option. (Steam Boilers)

## Short answer

Steam boilers have low efficiency, depend on imported fuel, pollute, risk explosion, and need high maintenance. Hydropower suits Nepal better: it uses free, renewable water, is clean, has low running costs, reduces imports, and can supply remote villages via small plants.

## Answer

A steam boiler produces steam for power by burning fuel. It is useful, but it has important weaknesses, and for Nepal a better source of energy is hydropower.

#### Weaknesses of steam boilers
1. **Low efficiency.** A great part of the heat is lost in flue gases, radiation and exhaust steam.
2. **Fuel dependence.** They need coal, oil, gas or wood, which Nepal mostly has to import or which damages forests.
3. **Pollution.** Burning fuel produces smoke, soot, carbon dioxide and ash, causing air pollution and global warming.
4. **Danger.** High pressure creates the risk of explosion if safety devices or water-level control fail.
5. **High maintenance.** Scale in tubes, corrosion and the need for treated water and skilled operators raise costs.
6. **Slow starting and large size.** Boilers take time to heat up and require space and continuous attendance.

#### Better option for Nepal: hydropower
Nepal has many fast-flowing rivers with large hydropower potential. Hydropower is better because:
- The fuel (water) is free, renewable and local.
- It is clean and does not pollute the air.
- Once built, running costs are low and life of the plants is long.
- It reduces fuel imports and can earn income by exporting electricity.
- Dams can also provide irrigation and flood control.
- Small and micro-hydro plants can supply remote villages, where solar energy can also help.

Therefore hydropower, supported by solar energy, is the better choice for Nepal.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Why are steam boilers inefficient?
   A. Much heat is lost in flue gases, radiation and exhaust steam
   B. They burn no fuel
   C. They are too small
   D. Water is cold
   Answer: A. That is a major weakness. (Key point: Efficiency)

2. What safety danger do boilers pose?
   A. Electric shock
   B. Radiation
   C. Explosion risk from high pressure if safety devices or water-level control fail
   D. Flooding
   Answer: C. They also need skilled operators. (Key point: Safety)

3. What better energy option does the answer suggest for Nepal?
   A. Hydropower, supported by solar
   B. Coal power
   C. Diesel generators
   D. Nuclear power
   Answer: A. Nepal has many fast-flowing rivers. (Key point: Better option)

4. Why is hydropower better?
   A. It needs imported fuel
   B. It pollutes air
   C. Free, renewable local fuel, clean, low running cost and can earn export income
   D. It has high running costs
   Answer: C. Dams also give irrigation and flood control. (Key point: Why hydropower)

## Related in Communication English

- [Steam Boilers: how boilers function](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Ahow-modern-boilers-function) — Communication English, chapter 2, asked 3×
- [Notice with four-point agenda: technological festival](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Anotice-technological-festival-agenda) — Communication English, chapter 5

## Related in other subjects

- [Classification of steam boilers](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fapplied_thermodynamics%3Aboiler-classification-examples) — Applied Thermodynamics, chapter 1
- [Avoiding Nepal's energy crisis](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fenergy_environment_and_society%3Anepal-energy-crisis-solutions) — Energy Environment and Society, chapter 2
- [Advantages of electrical energy over other forms](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Futilization_of_electrical_energy%3Aadvantages-electrical-energy-other-forms) — Utilization of Electrical Energy, chapter 1, asked 2×
- [Energy sources in Nepal and wind scope](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fpower_plant_design%3Aenergy-sources-nepal-wind) — Power Plant Design, chapter 1, asked 2×