[Points: Introduction—low stock of conventional energy and its effect on society, economy and industry—alternate sources—solar, conventional and unconventional energy—preservation of energy conclusion.]
From time immemorial mankind has used cowdung and firewood as the main sources of energy. Later he has shifted to coal and petro leum, and most recently to nuclear and solar energy to provide him with the source of energy. The rise in consumption of petroleum and its products during the last two decades has increased many folds and the stock of petroleum may last for another thirty years at the present rate of consumption. In fact, the world has become panicky over the energy crisis. There is perhaps no other subject with the possible exception of politics, about which there is so much discussion and concern throughout the world as energy crisis. The oil producing countries have held the whole world to ransom and have increased the price of oil many folds recently, hitting specially the developing and underdeveloped countries below their belts. As a result, rationing has been introduced in many countries. People are travelling less by car, week-end trips have become a real luxury. All these have hit automobile and anciliary units all over the world.
This crisis of conventional energy source is standing on the way of socio-economic growth in the developing and underdeveloped countries. Of petroleum products, diesel and kerosene are much more extensively used in India to run pumpsets and tractors in argicultural fields and domestic usages. Steep rise in prices of these essential commodities lead to sharp rise in price of agricultural pro ducts.
Scientists and Technologists are, therefore, trying to translate laboratory scale ideas into practical and economically viable hardware. At the present rate of consumption excepting coal which may last for another 600 years, the source of all conventional energy will be almost nil by 2020 A.D. But the world does not come to an end by that time, and the thrust towards energy self-sufficiency should have to be pressed with increased vigour. It is heartening to note the steps taken by scientists and technologists to face the crisis. They are advising both short and long term measures. In the rural areas people are being advised to use more firewood, agricultural wastes and cowdung. Bio-gas plants should have to be encouraged for cooking and lighting purpose. Hydroelectric power stations, though they produce only 12% of the total power in India, should be considered further. Nuclear power stations are a must and we should go for it. In coastal areas windmills may replace conventional electrically operated machines. doua wal
Geological explorations are to be intensified for locating deposits of natural gas. Scientists are already working to preserve solar energy, an endless source for house heating in colder countries. They have already developed solar cooking range, though not commercially.
Alcohol is being widely tipped as alternative to petroleum. In terms of goods or passengers carried per unit of diesel oil, diesel locomotives are much cheaper than lorries run on diesel. Thus substantial saving in diesel oil could be made in road transport. Besides conservations, all efforts must be made towards increasing indigenous production of crude.
In conclusion, it appears that the energy crisis, while acute, is by no means insolvable. It is still possible to achieve our targets of socio-economic growth. The challenge of the crisis casts shadow on every section of mankind and only science can face it.
