Future Energy Options for India

Posted on April 05, 2012
Posted By: A. Shyam
 
20
Introduction:

Although primary energy sources are different world over, world's production and use of energy over the past 15 years have shown striking changes. The World relied heavily on oil for many energy applications including electricity production in the pre-1973 era. Price fluctuations combined with politicization of world oil prices and supply seemed to have influenced in opting for alternate fuels with even, the electric power generation with fuel other than oil. Oil's contribution was less than 10% despite large increase in electricity demand in 1987. In fact, nuclear power replaced 11.7 billion barrels of oil worldwide between 1973 & 1987. It was estimated that energy use has been growing at 3% per year since 1983.

Electricity use in the world has risen since 1973 thus resulting in a remarkable difference in the pattern of energy use. The increased use of electricity further, points to important differences between western industrial world and Eastern European countries as well as between the industrialized West and the developing regions of the world. While Eastern Europe and Third World countries continue to develop, electricity retains the same pattern in the Western World.

The above trend leads to the amount of fuel or electricity required per unit of economic output. The growing energy efficiency of the industrialized world seems to have been achieved through displacing direct use of energy while increasing use of electricity. Understandably, energy efficiency has a direct bearing on economic and environmental implications. Availability of different fuels for electricity generation simplifies selection of generation sources which could be environmentally sound, as well.

The initial options that the world had for switching fuel resource and sailing successfully through 1990s presented larger challenges for the world in terms of global warming coupled with almost dwindling fossil fuel resources. Many researchers and countries today are attempting alternate energy resource beyond 2030.

Energy Resources:

  • A. Historical

    Humans have always strived to develop ways to expand the ability to harvest energy. Increase in energy consumption has been gradual and with industrialization, the rate of energy consumption increased dramatically. The technological man of 1970 (US) consumed approximately 230,000 Kcal of energy per day, almost 115 times that of a primitive man out of which 26% being electrical energy. Just about 10% of this 26% electrical energy resulted in useful work with the remaining 16% going waste due to inefficiency in generation and transmission.



    Looking at the progressive energy requirement of 'Technological Man', it is quite obvious that it attracts a combination of resources as single one of them cannot meet this high requirement. Tracking the energy source tells us that wood, the sole resource of earlier days made way for coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydroelectric power and ending, perhaps with nuclear electric power.

    The statistics of oil displacement by nuclear power in 1987in this regard is indeed a strong pointer to alternate energy resources other than oil.



  • B. Current Scenario

    The Asia Pacific region with 38.1% of the world total, leads global energy consumption. Coal, the dominant fuel alone accounts for 52.1% of energy consumption here. In addition, they are leading users of oil and hydroelectric generation. Oil dominates in other regions except Europe and Eurasia where, natural gas is the fuel.

    While coal remains the most abundant, oil and natural gas proven reserves have risen over time. Non-OECD countries account for 93.4% or world's proven reserves; 90.9% natural gas and 56% coal reserves.

    When we look at the World' Energy resources, oil, natural gas and coal seem to be still riding the energy requirement and the contributions of renewable including hydro seem negligible at this juncture.

    While hydroelectric and nuclear occupied 1970's & 1980's, it had moved away from absolute predominance of one particular resource to a complex mix by 2000.

    North America was the greatest consumer of energy in the world. Asia' consumption increased dramatically against a decline in Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union.

  • C. Future Projection

    The increasing population so far seems to have managed the energy requirement and the industrial civilization banks heavily on amount of energy of different types. If, for some reason this energy falls short, it will have significant ramifications throughout the world.

    While the global average of 1.2 toe (TOE -- Ton of Oil Equivalent -- the amount of energy released by burning one ton of crude oil, approximately 42 GJ = 11.63 MWh) per capita of 1966 rose to 1.7 toe in 2006, the same averaged about 1.5 toe over the last forty years.

    According to a recent report:

    • The oil production which peaked almost around 2010 would start showing declining trend to almost zero as has been projected for 2100

    • Almost a similar trend has been projected even for natural gas for 2100

    • Coal, though considered dirty may enjoy peaking due to oil and gas shortage. However, even this would decline towards 2100

    • Nuclear seems to combine decline and upward trend -- decline between 2010 & 2030; Upward between 2030 & almost 2070 with a second decline towards 2100 but, unlike oil and natural gas

    • Hydro power capacity could double by 2060. But, shows a decline to the current level by 2100.

    • Renewables include: wind, photovoltaic and thermal solar, tidal and wave power etc. It is believed that this industry is still at its infancy. However, there has been enormous research and a vast range of approach which is supplemented by attractive incentive.

    In fact, progress on renewable could determine the future road map for human sustainability. It is likely to show considerable progress starting from 2010 until 2070 and may perhaps decline as per the report.

    Fossil fuels are by far, the most important contributors to the energy mix in the present scenario. However, all of them are in rapid decline with Hydro and Renewables making respectable contributions. Nuclear seems to play a steady role.

Indian Power Scenario

India, world's fifth largest electricity generation country is the 6th largest consumer accounting for 3.4% of global energy consumption. State utilities, Central utilities and Private players contribute to generation with their individual shares being: 48%, 31% and 21% respectively.

The installed capacity of 31.12.2011 indicated below shows that Coal (56%) is still the major fuel of power generation. Natural gas accounts for just around 10%. While hydro stands at 21%, Nuclear is at just 2.56%. Renewables contribution has been around 11%. The trend seems to be no different between 2000 and 2009.





The target -- achievement ratio for the period between 2007 and 2011 is quite encouraging. The Plant Load Factor (PLF) for State, Central and Private for the period 2007 & 2010 are at 71.3%, 85.5% and 88.6% respectively. However, power availability against the demand over the plan periods between VI and XI show considerable gap.



Challenges and the future road map for India

Since the Government regulates the industry -- Tariff control, Subsidies, Environmental Norms etc. -- protecting consumer interest and commercial viability at the same time, are key goals of the Government. In fact, the move to set up Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP) of 4000 MW each -- of which four are likely to be commissioned between 2011 & 2017 -- to ease country's power deficit is in the right direction.

Fuel source dilemma:

  • As has been brought out earlier, Indian power sector is largely dependent on coal, gas and oil.

  • Coal shortages therefore reflect on disruptions in power generation / lower plant load factor

  • Augmenting coal shortages with import coal shoots up costs

  • The option before power companies is to either enter into Long Term Agreements (LTA) with coal suppliers OR acquire coal mines to ensure regular supply

  • Gas discovery of Krishna-Godavari Basin is still to ease the current situation of large dependence on coal

While power generation faces such challenges, transmission and distribution attracting huge investment poses additional challenge for the power sector.

Shortage of skilled manpower for construction and commissioning; contractual disputes; delay in readiness of balance of plants are a few other issues which could be ironed out.

Land acquisition, rehabilitation, environment and forest related issues are likely to be tougher in course of time.

The per capita level of 734 kWh (2008-09) is targeted to 1000 kWh by the end of eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) under "Power for All by 2012" plan of the Government. However, this ambitious target demands capacity addition of more than 100,000 MW with fairly good efficiency rates.

Road Map:

The capacity addition provides an excellent opportunity to draw an effective road map. Moreover, Planning Commission under 'Integrated Energy Policy' suggested that the nuclear capacity could reach 21-29 GW by 2020 and 48-63 GW by 2030; Current 25% hydro holds a potential of 1,50,000 MW.

India, therefore is poised to realign the policies at this stage with greater emphasis particularly on, Renewables which showed encouraging advancement to 10.63% (March 2011) from 1.1% (2001-02). Gradual and Careful planning of nuclear supplement would enhance better opportunity to progress steadily.

  • When we look at coal supply and share change between 2000 and 2010, china outclasses all other countries with 85.5% against 18.9 & -1.2% of Asia excluding China and North America respectively. Among the top coal exporters, Australia leads with 34.8% followed by Indonesia with 18.9% and Russia with 10.4%. Similarly, Japan with 187 Mt in 2010 leads the importer countries followed by China (157Mt), South Korea (119 Mt) and India (88 Mt) respectively for the same year.

  • Coal still enjoys 41% share as resource, globally. The percentage share of coal followed by oil, gas and nuclear for China and India are : 95.7%, 0.8%, 1.09% & 2.28 AND 81.28%, 4.85%, 11.7% & 2.14 respectively.

Several countries in the world seem to have anticipated the current crisis of the power sector and imbibed supplements of renewables quite early and therefore seem to be in a better position on energy requirement today.

Renewables have shown a steady progress globally from 10% (2004) to almost 35% (2010) reflecting its share in global power at 30% for 2010. It is this share that needs to move forward from 2010 in the next decade and we could perhaps be talking of 50% share of the Renewables.

Among the renewables, wind leads the table followed by biomass, Solar PV and Geothermal between 2004 and 2010. China heads the Renewables for the year 2008 although hydro share is much larger. Among the others there is higher contribution of the wind against solar. India similarly has a greater share of hydro but, wind contribution is higher than China. Projections for 2012- 2022 lay greater contribution from Wind power followed by small hydro and solar power.

While oil is getting peaky, it is time now to look at renewables more seriously lest we miss opportunity to be global competitive. Climate Change (Copenhagen Accord: Nations came forward with their non-binding carbon reduction targets for 2020 to arrest global temperature rise to 2 degree C or less), Alternative Future, New Green Developments, Economic Green Technology and gradual technological switch over worldwide are a few additional pointers to opt for renewables. Global new investment in renewable energy stood at 211 billion USD compared to 33 in 2004.

Although wind and solar among the renewables are leading options, the developments on the others are constantly growing to be competitive - Biomass proportion of energy is increasing exponentially throughout Europe with reports of much higher conversion rates; 'The Wave Hub' marine renewable infrastructure project (ten miles from the coast of Cornwall in England) will be the world's largest test site for wave energy.

Solar, seems to enjoy a better edge over the others at this juncture due to vigorous pursuit to transform it into an attractive and economic option. "June 2011, Professor Michael Gratzel, Lausanne Federal Technology Institute, Switzerland was awarded the 2010 Millenium Technology Prize for his invention of low cost solar cell that is used in electricity-generating windows, inspired by photosynthesis, they turn light into energy".

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology with the current advancement and efficiency seems to be ready for utility-scale installations.

  • Solar irradiance, economic installation costs, government support and financing conditions in all probability, are likely to drive the growth of this technology.

  • The falling generation cost is another encouraging factor for the technology to emerge as the largest and most stable demand segment.

  • In view of the greater demand, the scope of enhancing technological improvements is steadily growing which could be an added criterion for its advancement.

  • Power cannot be produced at night or cloudy days is history as concentrated solar power plants and Nano-antennas capture residual heat to overcome this limitation.

  • In fact, the heat of up to 900 degree C is used to warm molten salt tanks, creating steam to power turbines.

  • The option of technical and economic feasibility of launching satellites capable of securing sunlight into orbit is a new dimension under progress which may further ease solar power generation.

  • Black friars Solar Bridge, spanning the River Thames (Central London) was scheduled to be ready by Oct.2011. This would become the largest and second of its kind in the world with the first being Kruilpa Footbridge(Brisbane, Australia) in 2009.

  • Rooftop solar by NRG Energy planned in US with a generating capacity of 733 MW seems to have started construction in 2011.

In view of the renewable development world over, it is an ideal situation for India to look at a few options as mentioned below. India therefore would do well emphasizing incorporation of 'SOLAR SUPPLEMENT' in the operating units and gradual up gradation of solar technology in the country.

Promote Renewables:

  1. Immediate 3% Renewable (Solar, Biofuel, Biomass preferable priority) annually in each of the operating units for the next 8 years to coincide with 2020 Copenhagen target commitment.

  2. Compulsory 5% renewable (Solar, Biofuel, Biomass preferable priority) annually for the new projects initially for five years from 2015

    • Advantages of solar have been highlighted above.

      • Would ease the burden on coal

      • Would enhance the renewable share

    • Biofuel has a good potential as India is blessed with a variety of non-edible oils unlike USA.

    • Biofuel cultivation ON ABANDONED ASH PONDS provides CDM opportunity -- de-oiled cake (Manure), Crude glycerin in addition to huge biomass

    • Biofuel with high calorific value enhances calorific value of pulverized coal and thus reducing the coal consumption and consequent reduction of gaseous emission including carbon dioxide.

    • Afforestation activities of the project -- Organized Biomass collection would ease power generation to meet rural demand. Organized biomass collection would be useful in power generation. Biomass generated through' jatropha' cultivation on abandoned ash ponds would be additional. Since Biomass and Biofuel generation account under the scope of Decentralized Distributed Generation (DDG), they would facilitate village electrification as well.

  3. Mandate for Construction Sector: Mandatory installation of solar PV in the architectural design of Residential / Community buildings from April 2012 onwards would meet partial power requirement. Option for incorporation of solar technology into the architectural design of individual houses (both existing and new). In case the design is good, would meet total domestic power requirement. Often, it could exceed requirement.

  4. Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency has been claimed as 'Fifth Fuel' by International Energy Agency. Power plant efficiency centers around Temperature (heat derived through coal combustion) and pressure (steam from water). Energy efficiency measures combined with renewable energy would provide excellent opportunity for power plants to be more efficient in saving fossil fuels and consequent promotion towards Copenhagen commitment.

  5. Nuclear Option: Nuclear Energy is indeed quite a risk at this stage when there is hue and cry world over. Despite it bringing about incredible changes, the primary role of electricity generation ended up as a complicated and dangerous method. There is strict opposition to nuclear by many governments. In fact, reactors used so far have been gigawatt levels and no wonder they presented problems not only in terms of size but also, permits, insurance, legal challenges from environmental point and period of construction as well. Considering the findings of a recent report indicating that "Nuclear seems to combine decline and upward trend -- decline between 2010 & 2030; Upward between 2030 & almost 2070" and efforts on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), it is worth considering this as an option to supplement renewables. Small modular reactors (SMR) capable of generating about 300 MW or less are being proposed. They are different from radio-thermal generators (RTG) used in spacecraft and remote lighthouses.

    SMRs present several advantages:

    • They are Cheaper

    • Don't require a full-scale plant

    • No remote location

    • Design flexibility

    • Can be cooled by air, gas, or salt

    • Accidents could be controlled easily

    If we believe in the observation of World Energy and Population (WEAP) that world population would be declining significantly over the course of the century, then there may not be a need to look for alternate sources to fossil fuels.

 
20
 
Authored By:
QUALIFICATION: B.Sc. (HONS.) 1968; M.Sc. 1970; Ph.D. 1978

TEACHING: GRADUATE AND POST GRADUATE CLASSES - 5 YEARS

RESEARCH: DOCTORAL AND POST DOCTORAL RESEARCH, PROJECT INVESTIGATOR AND RESEARCH GUIDE - 34 YEARS

  • Research Guide: Department of Bioscience, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthinilayam, Andhra Pradesh. Student's name: Mr. Anil Kumar, K.

  • Research Topic: “Chemotaxonomic Study of a few members of Asclepiadaceae with focus on the Chemistry
 

Other Posts by: A. Shyam

Related Posts

 
 

Comments

April, 09 2012

Malcolm Rawlingson says

Mr Shyam, An interesting snapshot of the electricity situation in India. May of my friends and colleagues in Canada are of Indian decent and I have many informative conversations with them on methods to bring about more widespread electricity distribution to the Indian population.

In the West oil was never used to any great extent in the production of electricity. The oil price rises of the 1970's all but shutdown the use of oil for this purpose. The primary energy supplies for electrical generation have been coal, natural gas and nuclear energy with hydroelectric power where it is available.

Of course, for electricity to be used to help the average person in India, price is of the utmost importance. Hydroelectricity is by far the cheapest and certainly India is blessed with this source in its Northern Regions. However viable sites become fewer and fewer as the easier to exploit hydroelectric resources are used up. Exactly this scenario has unfolded in the West where fewer and fewer new developments are hydroelectric facilities as there are no useful site left. The same will occur in India.

I am intrigued that you state "Nuclear Energy is indeed quite a risk at this stage when there is hue and cry world over." but make no mention of the risk from coal or any other form of energy. The FACTS are that nuclear energy is the safest means of producing energy. While Fukushima and Three Mile Island make for great newspaper headlines the facts are that these events killed no-one. The mining of coal on the other hand kills and maims thousands upon thousands of miners each year with not a peep from the media.

The terrible tragedy at Bhopal that killed four thousand people as a result of a chemical release is all but forgotten - we did not of course ban the deployment of chemical plants or consider them "risky".

On a scale of 1 (least safe) to 10 (most safe) nuclear power plants rank consistently 10. They are the safest way to produce large volumes of cheap energy mankind has ever developed. For the Indian population that means the end of the poverty and drudgery that for the average person there is going to be their lot in life unless there is a rapid expansion of clean safe nuclear energy.

I applaud India's efforts to build 63,000 MW of nuclear. It will be the best investment the Indian subcontinent ever made.

Malcolm

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

Anumakonda Jagadeesh says

Apart from Wind and Solar there is tremendous scope for Biofuel from Agave and Biogas from Opuntia. Both the plants are of care-free growth. Mexico is leader on these technologies. As regards Nuclear, it has its own role to play with safeguards in power starved countries like India. More than power generation, Energy conservation is crucial. Enormous energy is wasted in Electric irrigation Pumpsets because of obsolete designs. Lighting is another area where immediate gains can be achieved like switching over to LEDs and CFLs. Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India E-mail: anumakonda.jagadeesh@gmail.com

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

bill payne says

PV works well for changing batteries to power small loads like LEDs from performance measuring of One Stop Gardens Fence solar lights, we've discovered.

http://www.prosefights.org/pnmrider/solarlights.htm

Solar generation of electricity to power large loads may be a scam?

Mr. Payne: Under Commission Rule 1.2.2.23(C), objections to your motion to intervene may be made within 13 days of service of the motion. You cannot conduct discovery until that time period has expired. If an objection to your motion to intervene is filed, then you cannot conduct discovery unless and until I grant your motion to intervene. If no objection to your motion to intervene is filed within 13 days of service of the motion, then your motion to intervene is deemed allowed under Rule 1.2.2.23(D)(1) and you may conduct discovery at that point. Carolyn Glick

No objections filed in case No. 00007-ut [google] within the 13 days, to our knowledge..

PNM has steadfastly refused to answer questions about its solar generation of electricity faciility.

Let's see if we can now get answers.

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

Malcolm Rawlingson says

Anumakonda, I am in general agreement with your point of view that energy conservation - doing more with less - is a key attribute of any electricity distribution system. However to bring the standard of living of 1.1 billion people to anything resembling the west needs a great deal more than biofuels and energy conservation. The scale of the change is simply too big. Also remember that the harvesting of biomass is itself an energy intensive business and the fuel used is oil. That means you are likely burning more oil as fuel than you get from the biofuels. Many studies have been done that show (for example) producing ethanol from corn is actually a net consumer of fossil fuels. whenever one has to harvest vast quantities of plant material you can guarantee there will be large expensive gas guzling machines doing the work. That is not a good way to use dwindling oil supplies. On the scale that India requires electricity development nuclear power or coal or natural gas are the only choices. And of those three choices nuclear is by far the safest of them all. Malcolm

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

Anumakonda Jagadeesh says

Dear Malcolm Rawlingson:

You are totally ignorant of power needs and present situation in India.

How much percentage of Wind and Solar and for that matter Nuclear contributed to supplement conventional power in India since Independence(64 Years)? Power cuts in the month of December are never heard in the past in Southern States.

In India the greatest asset is huge manpower. When compared to grain production and processing Biogas and Biofuel production are not energy intensive. Mexico is doing excellent. On this front. Here the relevance of Gandhian concept of Agro Industries utilising local resources and resourcefulness come into play in power generation to supplement conventional energy .

There are other uses of Agave:

The main drawback for wider application of Biofuels is input. There was a big moment for biofuel from Jatropha in India but in reality not much has been achieved. Agave(Americana),Sisal Agave is a multiple use plant which has 10% fermentable sugars and rich in cellulose. The fibre is used in rope making and also for weaving clothes in Philippines under the trade name DIP-DRY. In Brazil a paper factory runs on sisal as input. A Steroid HECOGENIN is extracted from this plant leaves. Since on putrification,it produces methane gas, it can be cut and used as input in biogas plants. Also in Kenya and Lesotho dried pieces of Agave are mixed with concrete since it has fibres which act as binding.

Here is an excellent analysis on Agave as a biofuel:

Agave shows potential as biofuel feedstock, Checkbiotech, By Anna Austin, February 11, 2010:

"Mounting interest in agave as a biofuel feedstock could jump-start the Mexican biofuels industry, according to agave expert Arturo Valez Jimenez.

Agave thrives in Mexico and is traditionally used to produce liquors such as tequila. It has a rosette of thick fleshy leaves, each of which usually end in a sharp point with a spiny margin. Commonly mistaken for cacti, the agave plant is actually closely related to the lily and amaryllis families. The plants use water and soil more efficiently than any other plant or tree in the world, Arturo said. "This is a scientific fact—they don't require watering or fertilizing and they can absorb carbon dioxide during the night," he said. The plants annually produce up to 500 metric tons of biomass per hectare, he added.

Agave fibers contain 65 percent to 78 percent cellulose, according to Jimenez. "With new technology, it is possible to breakdown over 90 percent of the cellulose and hemicellulose structures, which will increase ethanol and other liquid biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass drastically," he said. "Mascoma is assessing such technology."

To combat climate change, best oil/coal replacements/substitutes must be developed. I choose cellulosic biofuels because their energy balance goes up to 35. For comparison: Corn ethanol EB is 1.3, sugarcane is 3.5 (Avg.), 1st Gen. agave ethanol: 5, but cellulosic ethanol is 35. Massive production of biofuels/energy is/will be needed. As well as manufacturing substitutes for oil-derived products. Fortuntely, we have Agave/Opuntia (and many other resources)

Even US is going in for major Biogas production from Cow dung.

But obtaining Animal dung in large quantities in a decentralised way is difficult. But some plants offer promise in biogas production.

There were efforts to utilise Water Hyacinth(Eichhornia Crassipes) in combination with animal dung to produce biogas. But Biogas from Opuntia offers promise especially in developing countries since Opuntia can be grown under a variety of Environmental conditions.

As regards Energy conservation, there is a saying in Cricket, EACH RUN SAVED IS EACH RUN MADE. So also EACH Kwh SAVED IS EACH Kwh GENERATED.

Put the RENEWABLES to Work: To get Inexhaustible,pollution-free Energy which cannot be misused.

Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India Wind Energy Expert E-mail: anumakonda.jagadeesh@gmail.com

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

Anumakonda Jagadeesh says

Dear Malcolm Rawlingson:

Here is more information on Biogas from Opuntia:

Biogas from Opuntia:

A source of renewable gas and fertilizer Structure of the proposed process 1st step: Production of biomass (Opuntia) 2nd step: Process of the biomass into biogas trough anaerobic fermentation 3rd step: Process of the digested material into fertilizer The potential of Opuntia Biomass for energy production in semi-arid areas 100 to 400 tons of biomass/ha/year 1 ton Opuntia biomass = 50-60 m3 of biogas = 300-360 kWh of gas 30 000 to 140 000 kWh per ha 150 to 400ha necessary for 1MW electrical capacity High efficiency in water & fertilizer use Reduced risk for farmers of crop failure due to high drought tolerance No competition with food crops on arable land as it can grow on degraded land.

Study on renewable biogas energy production from cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica by Elias Jigar, Hameed Sulaiman and Araya Asfaw and Abraham Bairu(ISABB Journal of Food and Agriculture Science Vol. 1(3), pp. 44-48, December 2011) revealed: Cladodes, which is a plate like section of Opuntia ficus indica, were characterized for their physical properties, total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) and they were assessed in five combinations with or without cow dung for their suitability to biogas production in 2.8 L triplicate batch digesters. The highest total biogas yields were obtained from T5 (75% Cow dung: 25% Cladodes combination) as 14.183 L followed by T1 (cow dung alone) as 13.670 L (0 .022 m3/kg) and the lowest was from T2 (Cladodes alone) as 6.176 L. The percentage of methane gas obtained from the experiment for treatments T1, T2, T3 (50% cow dung: 50% cladodes), T4 (25% cow dung: 75% Cladodes) and T5 were 66.33, 53.16, 63.84, 52.1 and 69% respectively. Among all treatments, T5 was found to produce high methane percent of the biogas. Treatments (T1 and T5) that have a C:N ratio within the range of 20 to 30 were found to perform better in biogas yield and methane production than those that are not. Statistical test showed that the biogas and methane content of the gas produced by T5 vary significantly at 0.05 level except with T1 and T3 which means the biogas and methane content of the gas produced by T1 and T3 were comparable with that of T5. The experimental findings further showed that the composition of methane for all treatments were within the range of 50 to 70%. The finding further revealed the suitability of the substrate as a supplement feedstock with the conventional cow dung for biogas production and if suitable materials for co-digestion, such as manure, are not available, Cladodes can be digested alone. Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India Wind Energy Expert E-mail: anumakonda.jagadeesh@gmail.com

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

Periasamy Kandasamy says

Though the Article has provided some insight into the current power scenerio in India, the options provided are totally illogical.

We are talking about the energy needs of a country with a per capita consumption of just about 800 units, which is hardly half of China and 1/3 rd of the world average.

Even if we have to match that of China, we need to double the current installed capacity of 1,85,000 MW with power plants having 80% PLF. If we have to do with the Solar, Wind,etc (which have 20% PLF) as proposed by the Author of this Article, then we need to install about 4 times of this capacity. That is, 7,40,000 MW ! For installing this much capacity, we need at least Rs.74,00,000 crores and about 74,00,000 acres of land ! Where do we go for this investment and land ?

Also, what about the 30% additional peak load demand during the night when the Sun does not come for help ?

It is quite surprising that those who are familiar with the energy industry do not know all these facts and just like that go by the media hypes of Non-conventional energy sources !

Please note, the Sun energy is so dissipated that it needs lot of investment to get reasonable efficiency through Cornot Cycle route ( CSP based Solar power plants). If we have to go by PV route, then the quantum physics and the probability theory makes it difficult to improve the conversion efficiency of the PV cells beyond 25%. This is common sense. CSP and PV based power plant options may be new for the common readers.But, it is known for several decades for the engineers.

The decrease in cost per unit produced from PV / CSP, etc in recent years is not by any miracles in science / engineering. It is purely by the increase in scale of operation in Poly Silicon production and the cheap finance offered by the lending institutions from the developed countries, for the "Green" initiative. If they know that the so called "Green" initiative is not all that Green, given the fact that it takes about 5 years for the PV Cells to get back the power it has consumed to manufacture !

The pity is that, the life of the Cells are not going to be 20 years, as predicted by the Solar cell enthusiasts. It is going to be about 10 - 15 years only. This is because, a minor physical damage in the connection between any two cells will disable the entire row of several dozen cells connected in series. This will substantially bring down the efficiency of the panels, leading to premature replacements.

In the CSP case, the thermal cycling of the Plants will make the life of equipments much lower compared to power plant equipments. The equipments contain thousands of Tube-Tubesheet joints. These will start failing one after the other after about 5 years, making the life miserable for the plant operators !

As for the Bio Fuel option, it is good. But what is the area required for such massive plant capacities ? The author talks about the ash dump areas. What is the total area required and what is the total area available in ash pits ? No data. This is the problem with this kind of Articles.

Also, there is reference to energy saving. Even if we assume that we can save 25% energy, it works out to hardly 40,000 MW. We are talking about the need for adding close to 40,000 MW every year !

So, the only option is Nuclear Energy.

All cool headed persons know that, so far in the past 60 years of history of nuclear power in the world, only 3 accidents have taken place and in 2 accidents no one died. In the third one, that is Chernobyl, about 134 persons died within one year of accident and about 4000 persons are supposed to have died in the old age ( > about 60 years) due to radiation induced cancer.

In this same period of nuclear energy, in Coal mine accidents about 440,000 persons have died. If we add other cola power related deaths like power plant accidents, coal transport accidents, silicosis related deaths, CO2 pollution, etc, then the number will easily run into few millions !

In such a situation, how can we say nuclear power as "risky" ?

Just because somebody kept saying in the past, today every one keeps saying nuclear power is risky. In fact, Fukushima has proved that Nuclear accidents do not cause any deaths immediately and it will also prove that, with timely distribution of Iodine Tablets, and timely intervention in food intake from the affected regions, the long term effects can be almost nil.

So, please stop writing negative about Nuclear power in the quest for Non-Conventional Energy. Please note, no one is against Solar / Wind, etc. Given the dispersed nature of these forms of energies, they have limited roles and we are exploiting them as appropriate. Insisting that we shall rely only on these is hipocratic.

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

Periasamy Kandasamy says

"The installed capacity of 31.12.2011 indicated below shows that Coal (56%) is still the major fuel of power generation. Natural gas accounts for just around 10%. While hydro stands at 21%, Nuclear is at just 2.56%. Renewables contribution has been around 11%. The trend seems to be no different between 2000 and 2009."

Every one talks about Installed capacity percentage !

It has no meaning. What is important is how much electricity is produced. If we go by that, the proportion of Non-Conventional energy is hardly 3 % ! What is more, most of it is from Wind and Small hydel. No solar. Again, these Wind and Small hydel are available only during few months in a year. What do we do for the remaining months ? Can we ask the people to live in dark ? Can we ask industries not to run during this period ? Or else, can we install other power plants and do not operate them during these periods ? Who will bear the cost of idling plant ?

Report This Comment
April, 10 2012

Periasamy Kandasamy says

As for the Nuclear Energy, now it is the political will to proceed with more plants. Earlier it was the problem with Fuel availability due to the NPT related issues. So, we need not restrict the Nuclear target to 60,000 MW. Today, the market condition is very favourable for the Nuclear Reactor buyers. We can get attractive price and payment terms. The price of Nuclear Reactors are likely to harden in just few years with the take off of nuclear power in the world, once the currently shut down Japanese reactors are restarted one by one in the near future.

We must utilise this golden opportunity and build at least 10 reactors with capacities of 1200 or 1650 MW in each of the 6 sites already identified. Also, more sites shall be identified and the land acquisition shall be on very liberal basis. For example, for about 4000 acres of land required, even if we pay Rs.20 Lakhs per acre, it works out to Rs.800 crores, which is hardly 0.7% of the total project cost of Rs.1,20,000 crores for a 12,000 MW plant. We can also provide jobs for the wards of land owners, which is logical in any project.

Report This Comment
April, 11 2012

Periasamy Kandasamy says

"Renewables have shown a steady progress globally from 10% (2004) to almost 35% (2010) reflecting its share in global power at 30% for 2010. It is this share that needs to move forward from 2010 in the next decade and we could perhaps be talking of 50% share of the Renewables."

The above information is totally misleading !

Out of these "renewables" mentioned, it is Hydro power which is the maximum ! We do not consider the normal hydro power under renewables category. Only small hydro we call it under renewables. Look at the data of world installed capacity of "renewables" :

Solar Photovoltaic - 40 GW Wind Energy - 198 GW Geothermal Energy - 11 GW Hydropower - 1010 GW Biomass power and heat - 62 GW Solar hot water/heating - 185 GWth Concentrated solar energy - 1 GW

You will find Hydro is close to 75% of the total Renewable Installed Capacity ! All others put together, including Solar hot water heaters is 25 %.

Again mind it, this is only Installed Capapcity. If we consider the actual units generated, the share of these 25% renewables will be hardly 5% or even less ! This is the hard reality. So, the readers may please understand the whole thing in the right perspective.

Unless it is properly clarified, the readers will think that the world over Wind, Solar, Bio mass, which are considered as renewables in India as contributing to 30% ! How misleading it is !

Report This Comment
April, 11 2012

Alok Misra says

Firstly all the options have not been considered. We do not have money to go for technologies that are in the region of only academic interest. The fact isthat India just needs double energy what it has rightnow and immediatty = Who can do it. India has massive resources in the form of Shale gas under its coal mines and we are going to get it out strting March 2013 It is cheap gas.And this is what we are going to do. All rest debate is not worth it. Then we are planning masive investment in Nuclear and Coal technologies. Earlier we do it better it is!

Report This Comment
April, 11 2012

Periasamy Kandasamy says

Shale gas is not from Coal Bed. It is available mostly on sea bed. That is also being considered. ONGC is already on the job.

But, any form of gas is most suitable for Fertilizers, Domestic consumption, Process / Steel Plants, etc. Using Gas for power plants is a criminal waste for India.

Report This Comment
April, 12 2012

Len Gould says

Mr Jagadeesh: The MOST efficient plant for converting sunlight into biomass is sugar cane, and no other plant including agave is rated near its peak of PERHAPS 5% to 6%. Solar thermal stirling dishes can be purchased (or built in India) at 27% efficiency, solar thermal CSP runs 15% efficient. Considering planting, cultivating, fertilizing, irrigating, harvesting, transportation, and conversion of plant crops, there is VERY little reason to look anywhere beyond those numbers.

Report This Comment
April, 12 2012

A SHYAM says

Thanks very much Dr. Malcolm for your observations on the article. I have tried my best to outline the option as seen by an Environment / Energy researcher. I agree with you that the price may be a little higher initially but, would drastically get reduced once the demand shoots up. Encouraging advance developments on renewables, particularly solar world over definitely would contribute greatly towards pricing say 3-4 years hence. If you had a chance to go a little further, there is a suggestion that we could start with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). I do not deny the environmental implications of coal. But, that is the source for power generation.

Report This Comment
April, 12 2012

A SHYAM says

I totally agree with you Prof. Jagadeesh and I have mentioned this – reclaiming abandoned ash ponds with biofuel species would be a great option with multifold advantages to power unit. ‘Energy efficiency’ and ‘Energy Conservation’ have in fact, become integral part of the current culture.

Report This Comment
April, 13 2012

A SHYAM says

I am afraid I am not competent to comment on your observation, Mr. Bill, But, being a researcher, I somehow trust the Solar research findings so far. The beauty is that they have taken shelter of ‘Nature’s Architecture’ (Sun Flower) to make it more compact and still be efficient. It definitely, would take some more time for a convincing demonstration. All that I can say at this juncture is, to patiently wait for that day..

Report This Comment
April, 13 2012

A SHYAM says

Dr. Malcolm / Prof. Jagadeesh - I wish to add a point here. US, unfortunately did not have a choice on corn. But, India is blessed with a variety of non-edible oil resources and therefore, can contribute to the cause of saving a few MWs of coal power at least to the rural sector.

Report This Comment
April, 13 2012

Don Hirschberg says

We do not hear that India is scrambling to open new coal mines, increasing rail facilities to transport more coal to generating plants, buying into or making deals with other countries to get more coal. We don’t hear about generating plants not having enough coal to operate at capacity.

The US media does not tell us the Indian population is about to surpass that of China. Inertia alone will make India the most populous country. The world is not told that more Indians use cellular phones than have use of a toilet.

We do not hear that many millions of Indians cook their food with twigs gathered that day.

How is possible that the problem of too many people is not recognized? It is THE problem.

Report This Comment
April, 13 2012

A SHYAM says

Periasamy / Kandasamy:

I guess that the article has completely been misread. A careful browsing would present answers to all the questions raised by them. I have just indicated that the renewables can supplement ‘fossil fuel’ power generation. Even this could be gradual as outlined in the article. The advancement of solar research is highlighted to address some of the basic questions like – night generation. Questions raised on ash ponds could be read in the article “RELEVANCE OF BIO-FUEL IN COAL BASED POWER PLANTS, EnergyPulse, February, 2005. My views on nuclear seem to have been omitted by the readers

Report This Comment
April, 14 2012

Periasamy Kandasamy says

My specific questions are :

1. For the next 5 years let us assume that we will get funds for about 1,00,000 MW of new projects, apart from the ongoing projects. Out of this 1,00,000 MW, what proportions you suggest for Coal, Gas, Renewables( Solar, Biofuel, Biomass), Nuclear as future energy options for India ?

2. You have mentioned about saving of 40,000 MW in the current installed capacity of 1,85,000 MW. To achieve this what is the approximate investment required ?

3. When you say Nuclear is "risky", what is the basis ? So far how many have died in each energy source per TWh of electricity generated in the world ? How many more are expected to die in future due to each energy source ? Without these numbers we can keep giving "perception based risks" with statements like "general public like any lay men.

4."Nuclear Energy is indeed quite a risk at this stage when there is hue and cry world over"

How did you measure this "hue and cry" world over ? Just because the media write or show something, we all repeat the same !

Fine, let there be "hue and cry" world over. But what is your understanding of the Nuclear energy ? It is not clear.

5."There is strict opposition to nuclear by many governments."

How many Governments are opposing Nuclear Energy and how many are supporting ? How many millions of people have elected those Governments which support Nuclear energy ? How many millions of people have elected those Governments which oppose Nuclear energy ?

6. You say "Renewables have shown a steady progress globally from 10% (2004) to almost 35% (2010) reflecting its share in global power at 30% for 2010. It is this share that needs to move forward from 2010 in the next decade and we could perhaps be talking of 50% share of the Renewables."

What does it mean ? Does it mean at present Renewables - Solar, Biofuel, Bio mass, Small hydro - Which are treated as Renewables in India contribute 35% of electricity generation in the world ? You want it to grow to 50%.

Now, do you support this proportion of Solar for India as well ?

8. When you suggest growing the Biofuel in Ash Ponds, I would liek to know how many acres of Ash ponds are available and how much Biofuel we can grow in that land.

In the reference cited by you I could not see any information on the total acres available and what is the yield per acre. Without these information, we can not plan anything.

9. As for the Biomass based Power, it is the worst option for India. Already the Soil Organic Carbon ( SOC) in India soil has come down to less than 0.5%, which is half of what was there about 50 years back. This is resulting in reduction in the effectiveness of fertilizer addition. When we are crying for recycling of organic matter back into the soil, it is highly objectionable to burn such a valuable resource citing the Europeans.

For heavens sake, please do not burn the agri wastes, Municipal Solid Wastes, or any other biomass.Even if they are not recycled back today, if they are left as it is, some day there is opportunity for it to get back into the soil. But if we burn it, it is lost for ever.

Report This Comment

Add your comments:

Please log in to leave a comment!
back to top


Sponsored Content