The Need to Conserve Energy for Health of the Environment
15 Aug, 2001 · 540
Col PK Gautam argues that conservation and efficient use of energy assumes greater importance for the environment at the local and global level and enlists various methods through which it can be achieved
In each Plan document one comes across the projected growth rate of the economy. To sustain growth and cater for present deficiencies, targets are set to add electric utilities and other infrastructure to the power sector. For example, nuclear energy is projected to grow from the present 2,280 MW to 20,000 MW by 2020. In the 9th Plan 57,734 MW of additions to installed capacity are envisaged through a mix of thermal, hydro and nuclear energy. This requires heavy investment so that targets achieved may be about 20,000 MW.
Delhi
leads the nation with T&D losses of upto 45%. The national loss is Rs. 15,000 crores (US$ 3334 billion), the same amount to be invested for installing two 1000 MW VVER Russian nuclear plants at Kudankulam in Tamilnadu.
India
has a very heavy load of energy consumption relative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), though the country’s overall consumption is low by world standards. This means that in general, Indian industry is highly energy intensive and its energy efficiency is poor. The New Delhi-based Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) estimates that there is a saving potential for 20-25% of the consumption in industries. Half this saving can come about by better house keeping, with the other half by retrofitting and energy efficient devices.
Himalayas
. Nuclear energy is also under pressure from environmentalists due to the perceived fear of radiation at mining sites and the hazards of waste disposal.
Whereas projections of growth are a must for planning, it is also important to invest in existing equipment, infrastructure and procedures. Conservation of energy by direct and indirect means is a process that needs to be encouraged, apart from other measures. This is important for the environment at the local and global level. The efficiency of an advanced coal-based power station is 40-42%; by the time a light bulb in a home is lit, it is 7.5%. Losses due to technical reasons can be reduced by better technology. Leakage also takes place due to transmission and distribution (T&D) losses. T&D losses are technical, but also societal, with considerable amounts of energy being pilfered. Minimizing T&D losses can conserve energy. The Frontline magazine in its 3 August issue reports that out of 30% T&D losses, about 15% is due to technical reasons and the balance is caused by theft.
Another area where we can re-engineer energy is by a proper audit and management in industries; half the commercial energy used is by industry.
By adopting policies to reduce T&D losses and proper energy audit and management, we can manage better with existing resources. During the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, starting by approximately 2010, we would also come under Protocol as active members, and not observers as at present. This would mean that our energy sector will come under scrutiny and we will have to abide by rules and regulations in use of fossil fuel. We will not be free to emit as much carbon as at present though our coal fired utilities. Each such utility would be taken into account in our share of carbon emissions. Conservation and efficient use of energy will then assume greater importance. If we do not plan for it now, we will be wasting our resources and exceeding our carbon emission quotes in future.
Another important factor is that not all massive non-carbon emitting hydro-electrical projects would mature due to the opposition of the human rights groups around environmentalists. Seismic reasons may even stall the grandiose hydel projects in the
But, no movement will ever obstruct better strategies to conserve and save energy. Conservation is not the prerogative of the government. At all levels austerity with imagination needs to be exercised. At home/office only minimum lights could be used and maximum use made of natural light during the day by innovative architecture and design. Compact fluorescent bulbs last longer and use a quarter of the energy used by conventional incandescent bulbs. In the long run they may be cheaper, inspite of the higher initial purchase costs. In public places, lights should be used economically, for example by switching off streetlights on sunrise. At the state level, thefts need to be checked and leakages plugged. These may seem very small measures but are important steps for energy and environmental security.
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