The world is facing an imminent challenge in the form of limited fuel resources, which impose severe restrictions on the energy and power available to sustain our growing needs. Currently, the known supply of oil, according to experts like Martin Mann, is projected to last only about sixty years at the current rate of consumption. Over the past century, the world's overall energy usage has surged by twenty-four times, indicating a rapidly escalating demand for power. This unprecedented growth in energy requirements is putting immense pressure on existing fuel sources.
Traditional sources of energy, such as wood and coal, are already showing signs of strain. Wood consumption is becoming unsustainable, while coal, although still available in reasonable quantities, is becoming more difficult to mine, particularly in regions like England. Amidst these challenges, nuclear energy emerges as a promising alternative. Uranium, a key component in nuclear power generation, is more abundant than oil, and India and West Africa are recognized for their vast reserves of thorium, another potential source of nuclear energy. It is puzzling why India, with such rich thorium deposits along its coasts, has not fully embraced its exploitation. Nations are also exploring oil drilling in the seas to reduce dependence on OPEC, which often raises crude oil prices, leading to increases in goods and services costs.
Solar energy, a renewable and virtually inexhaustible resource, remains underutilized. Studies indicate that an astounding 75,000 trillion KWH of solar energy strikes the Earth's surface daily, with a mere 0.1 percent being sufficient to meet the world's energy demands. Governments, including India's, have made efforts to harness solar power through solar cookers, water heaters, and lights. However, the high costs associated with these technologies have hindered their widespread adoption by the public. Nonetheless, steps have been taken to promote solar energy utilization, with India collaborating with the US to enhance the deployment of renewable energy technology in the country.
Some countries, such as Israel, have made significant strides in using solar energy for various purposes, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. Solar water heaters are prevalent in almost every house in Israel, and solar pumps are employed for irrigation. In regions like the south of France, Algeria, and other Mediterranean countries, the Sun's heat warms houses through an ingenious system of pipes. Similarly, the method is used to warm houses in the cold climate of Ladakh, India.
India faces an acute power shortage, with thermal power accounting for 69% of total energy production, hydel at 25%, nuclear at 2%, and diesel and gas contributing about 4%. To combat the energy crisis, India should prioritize the establishment of more hydroelectric projects and nuclear power stations without compromising environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, the future of energy lies in embracing renewable sources such as solar and nuclear power to reduce our reliance on finite fuel resources. Governments must take bold steps to invest in and incentivize the adoption of sustainable energy technologies to secure a better and greener future for generations to come. By harnessing the power of the Sun and exploring nuclear alternatives, we can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable, and resilient energy landscape.