Water and Energy Abstracts

The September 2007 issue of IEEMA Journal, had carried two excellent articles, one on Solar Power by Mr. C.R. Bhattacharjee and the other on Innovation by Mr. Abhay Gaba. It is imperative, that we combine both these subjects and start innovation in Solar Power. We are worshippers of Sun God who bestows us infinite energy. An hour of sunlight packs enough energy to power to entire world for whole day. We invoke Gayatri mantra, considered as the most powerful Mantra in praise of the Sun (Mark Twain, the famous American author had proposed that Gayatri mantra should be inscribed on the United Nations building in New York when it was being constructed). We have been using solar energy for various purposes such as drying clothes, food ingredients and even our ‘rural fuel’ cow dung cakes. However, that is not even drop in the ocean of the Sun’s energy. It is up to us to tap as much as we want. Solar power resource is free, it is in abundance and available everywhere. Solar Power can reduce our imports in oil and cut down the pollution. While USA, Europe, Japan and China have rushed in this field, India should not be left behind. Our Government, Industry and Universities should compliment Research and Development in the field. Mr. C.R. Bhattacharjee has rightly suggested that the subsidy for Solar energy should be kept around 70 to 75% (in line with some countries), the total amount gradually reducing with the falling cost of solar cells. During my recent visit to Europe and USA, I found new interest and lot of activity in the Solar Energy field. According to several sources, Solar Energy is expected to be the fastest growing alternate source of energy. US department’s forecast is that the use of solar energy in power sector will boom by 2015. However, many entrepreneurs and investors have burnt their fingers in the past to make solar power cheaper. But now due to great demand for clean power and oil prices shooting up, various Governments and Crude oil is touching $100 per barrel.