Industralization changed the way we lived. People
moved from the rural areas into the fast growing cities. Factories attracted
people hungry for income. Output increased and so did the sizes of the
factories. Years later, humans realised the cost they had paid. The
environment had to be counted for. I wish to draw a comparison between two of
the most eco-friendly nations in the world according to the world environment
index 2010; Iceland and Switzerland.
Iceland is the world
leader in renewable energy production. 90% of the households run on renewable
energy. Ireland has vast resources of renewable energy that is harnessed by the
best energy infrastructure in the world. It is located right in the middle of
the volcanic hot zone which means they have an advantage in terms of resources
from which they can harness this type of energy, All this means that Iceland is
prepared for an energy crisis. It is an example of what could happen if nations
decided to use such energy better.
Historically,
Switzerland's longest-serving and most important source of renewable energy has
been hydropower. It has the ideal conditions for the utilization of hydropower.
Hydroelectric energy production is the leading renewable energy source with
62.43% of national total electricity production. On 25 May 2011 the Swiss government
announced that it plans to end its use of nuclear energy. This shows that
Switzerland is a nearly CO2-free
electricity-generating network. Though the "new" renewables including
solar, wood, biomass, wind, geothermal and ambient heat also play an
increasingly important role in today's Swiss energy mix. The long-term
potentials of domestic renewable energy indicate that, for all forms, the
prospects for electricity and heat are very sound. However, it is also clear
that, primarily for economic reasons, it will only be possible to fully utilize
the major potentials of photovoltaic or geothermal energy in approximately 30
years time. Other renewables such as wood and biomass, ambient heat,
electricity from small-scale hydropower plants and, to a modest extent, wind,
is available now and in some cases is also already economically
attractive. Here the generation of electricity is generated by the use of
renewable energy sources is promoted through a feed-in tariff.
We have noticed that
both countries that are at the top of the world environment index
2010 are utilizing renewable sources of energy. Both the countries have reduced
the consumption of non-renewable sources of energy. We should learn from
these countries and try to apply the same theory in our country. Exploitation of resources is a harsh reality we must address before it is too late.
- Nupur Dass
20153044
Good blog post. The conclusion can be strengthened if you could have identified, at least, the potential for renewable energy in India.
ReplyDeleteIndia has been ranked 123 with a score of 48.3 in the environmental index of 2010. Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the long-standing energy problems being faced by the developing countries. The renewable energy sources like wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, biomass energy and fuel cell technology can be used to overcome energy shortage in India. To meet the energy requirement for such a fast growing economy, India will require an assured supply of 3–4 times more energy than the total energy consumed today. The renewable energy is one of the options to meet this requirement. Today, renewable account for about 33% of India's primary energy consumptions. India is increasingly adopting responsible renewable energy techniques and taking positive steps towards carbon emissions, cleaning the air and ensuring a more sustainable future. Developing renewable energy can also help India increase its energy security, reduce adverse impacts on the local environment, lower its carbon intensity, contribute to a more balanced regional development, and realize its aspirations for leadership in high-technology industries. The Indian renewable energy market has become increasingly dynamic in recent years as a result of strong natural resources, greater accommodation to international investments and a variety of government incentives. Biogas technology will be the major areas to witness overseas investments in the near future. With all the attractive characteristics and potential stated above, India presents a significant market opportunity for renewable energy firms worldwide. However, these firms will need external guidance and assistance on several strategic and operational aspects before they are in a position to effectively tap into this opportunity.
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