Discussing Alternate Energy Research
With the world dependent on the importation of oil to fuel the growth and expansion of almost every countries economy, alternate energy research has become a major interest and concern in developed nations along with new emerging countries like India. With their energy demand on the increase but their oil and gas resources limited, the need and desire to be free of dependency on foreign oil imports is greatly increasing.
India only has 5.9 billion barrels of oil in its reserves or about 0.5% of the total global reserves. This small amount is not even close to supplying the demand needed in India’s economy. Today 70% of the oil used in India is imported. As their economy grows over the next decade and expansion in their industries, the demand for oil will only go up. It is estimated the demand could possibly be 92% of their oil supply will be imported by the year 2020.
To reduce this dependency on other nations, India’s University of Petroleum and Energy Studies has begun to concentrate their efforts in alternative energy sources through research into a variety of areas. The focus is on Bio-fuels, Solar and Wind Power, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells and any other new technology that could free this emerging nation on its dependency of foreign oil imports.
A few of this institutes projects that have been completed are the “Installation, Commissioning and Demonstration of Integrated Biodiesel Plant in the state of Uttaranchia, India”, “Ethanol Blending Program in India” and the “Development of a Biodiesel Fuelled Car.”
As for ongoing project the “Survey on Inventory and Quality of By-Product Hydrogen Potential in Selected Major Sectors in India” and the “Feasibility of using Straight Vegetable Oils as fuel in IDI Diesel Engines with different blends”.
The world has a finite supply of oil and gas reserves. As one world there needs to be a global solution. It is reassuring to this American that other countries including the new emerging economic powers, have taken the interest and dedicated resources into alternate energy research seriously.
