SHOULD INDIA LOOK FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ?

All forms of energies are obtained by Thermal, Hydro-electric, Nuclear, Geothermal, Wind, Solar and Tidal energy sources. The energy requirements of our economy are met through network of hydro-electric power stations, thermal power plants and nuclear power plants. Thermal electricity is, however the largest source of energy supply, installed capacity of the thermal power stations is more than double of the installed capacity in the hydroelectric projects. Installed capacity in the nuclear power plants is very insignificant, though it holds out much greater potential of energy supply in the coming decades.

ESTIMATED POTENTIAL FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN INDIA

Sources/System Approx. Potential
Biomass 17,000 MW
Solar Energy 20 MV/Sq.Km
Wind Energy 20,000 MW
Ocean Energy 50,000 MW
Hydro Energy 100,000 MW
Biogas plants (No) 12 Millions
Improved Woodstoves (No) 120 Millions

The major objective of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is to conserve conventional sources of energy / generate electricity through renewable. The projects assisted by IREDA will result in substantial saving of coal, diesel, electricity, etc. and will generate additional units of energy which have benign impact on the environment, reduce pollution, generate direct and indirect employment of the local level thereby raising the standard of living of the people and leading to the development of backward areas.

Let us hope that by the end of this century, each and every hearth in our country will receive surplus energy so that the coming century can be welcomed by all homes with a festival of energy. Any abnormal change in chemical, physical and biological characteristics of environment is called pollution. At present our environment is getting polluted every moment. This is causing extension damage to all sorts of life on earth. Environmental pollution is a direct consequence of industrial progress. Indiscriminate burning of all conventional and unconventional fuels and last bust not least, random destruction of plant population are responsible for large accumulation of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and other fumes in the air we breathe.

In fact, India needs these types of alternate energy resources. But the use of these resources through the modern technology is proving costly and unreliable. A lay man even can not imagine using these sources at this juncture. I think the nuclear power is the best alternate option available to meet our energy requirement. My next article would focus on this conclusion as main aspect.

REFERENCES
[1] Annual Report on Energy Sources 96-97
[2] S.K.Sachdeva, Year Book (CSR), 718,719,720-1993
[3] R.K.Gour, S.L.Gupta Engg.Phys. 63.2 63.4,63.5-2006
[4] Science Reporter 35, 36 -2007