Alernative energy sources should be tapped: Experts

Mumbai, Nov 25: Alernative energy sources should be tapped to meet future needs, according to experts at the 17th Annual Conference of the Indian Nuclear Society on 'Energy Foresight - India 2050', which concluded here.

The event, which began on November 21 concluded yesterday with the speakers dwelling mainly on short and long term energy planning.

''While we expect biofuels to make significant contribution in foreseeable future, two of the three inputs needed are sunshine, landmass and water. This is a challenge for researchers,'' experts said.

Development of bio fuels as an alternative and renewable source of energy for transportation has become critical in the national effort towards maximum self-reliance, they said.

According to the experts, most of the hydel potential (about 75 per cent) remains to be exploited. Hydel projects require vast area of land and displace a large population and have adverse effects on ecology. The country also possess renewable energy sources in abundance. The largest source, however, is of ocean, thermal tidal and wave power technologies, which, are yet to be established through pilot schemes.

Solar energy, also available in abundance needs to be tapped.

Petroleum provides energy for 95 per cent of transportation and demand of transport fuel continues to rise.

Accelerating economic growth and achieving higher standards of living depend upon the avalibility of adequate and relaible power at an affordable price, they said.

The achievement of increasing installed power capacity from 1362 MW to over 130,000 MW since independence and electrification of more than 50,000 villages is impressive in absolute terms, However it is a matter of concern that the annual per capita consumption at about 750 kWh is among the lowest in the world. Further people in a large number of villages have no access to electricity, according to experts.

While explaining the reason for choosing 'Energy Foresight' as the focal theme of this year's conference, organisers said, ''The broad vision behind the energy policy is to reliably meet the demand for energy services of all sectors including the lifeline energy needs.'' Besides this, the meet, held at TIFR auditorium and Anushaktinagar Hall here saw talks by eminent scientists, planners, managers, and engineers in the field, discuss issues like Energy Foresight, Energy Financing and Investment, Environmental impact, Emerging and Advanced technologies, Smart energy systems, Energy systems, Energy R&D Foresight, Energy Transmission and Distribution, Energy management, Efficiency improvements and energy savings, Carbon Sequestration and Near Zero emission, Foresight for fuels and Technologies for the Transport Sector.

Some of those who attended included REL Director Dr V K Chaturvedi, IPR Director Prof P K Kaw, IIT Bombay Prof S Kedare, SPG DAE Dr Subhash Chandra, Dr P K Vijayan of BARC, IIT Bombay Prof R Banerjee.

UNI