Looking at the global warming phenomenon the causes over which environmental experts are yet to arrive at any consensus, one thing is unmistakably clear. That the unusual and excessive accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere is one of the principal contributors to this life-threatening phenomenon which can be directly linked to our over reliance and unsustainable use of fossil fuels like oil and coal for industrial development. A cursory glance at the consumption figure would confirm this reality. At present so far as the contribution in terms of emission of carbon is concerned, oil is at the top with nearly 43% and coal 37%, while others accounting for 10% in this regard. Keeping in mind the fact that this consumption pattern is likely to undergo any significant change in the coming 50 years, there is an urgent need to curb it to save earth. Even the much-touted nuclear source of energy may not be of any help as the uranium reserves are likely to last not more sixty to seventy years. In this scenario the humankind have to intensify the search for alternative renewable sources, if we are to ensure our steady march of progress.
While the scientists all over the world have been doing research and in some cases partially succeeded in developing technologies to capture released carbon but the cost and storage problems have created practical difficulties for their wider applications. Bio-fuel which once appeared to be a lucrative bait is losing it appeal in the face of the grim fact that it leads to extensive use of cultivable lands and thereby adversely impacting our food security. There is another sidelight to it, the knowledgeable circles are still not unanimous whether the use of ethanol – a bio-fuel- actually results in reduction of GHG ( Green House Gas).
The nuclear power which has been at the eye of a storm a few years back over which nearly brought down the government, has been thought to be an effective answer to the fossil fuel. But as has been mentioned earlier that limited uranium resources, high capital outlay, long gestation period and more importantly the radiation hazards, all merit a second look at as a viable option. Besides, procuring uranium through extensive mining operation takes a huge toll on the environment.
India is very richly endowed with hydro resources and generation of power harnessing of our water resources looks very attractive as an option. There are countries like China, Brazil, and Canada which tap this means in a big way. In fact, Norway meets 98% of it energy requirement through it. The Himalayan and North-East regions of our country have tremendous potential in this regard. Here too it is not an unmitigated blessing. The spectre of large scale displacement of people and unpredictable ecologically disastrous consequences are the dissuading factors. It is worth recalling that the Aswan Dam in Egypt may have succeeded in providing electricity to hundreds and thousands of people but the annual flooding which was regular feature of the river Nile providing fertile soil, has ceased.
Thus, it can be observed that we have very limited options as far as the alternative unconventional renewable and sustainable energy sources are concerned. It leaves only solar and wind sources which are absolutely free from the shortcomings of the sources mentioned above.