The views expressed by Michio Kaku, co-founder of string field theory and professor of theoretical physics at City University, New York, (TOI, 19/5) has come as a breath of fresh air in the context of the UPA government's nuclear deal with USA as the solution for our energy problem. He said, " Going for nuclear energy is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire". Apart from the risk of proliferation, he mentioned vulnerability to accidents and meltdowns, radio-active waste disposal and the impossibility of increasing nuclear energy by 10 to 50 times to make a dent on global warming as reasons for his reservations on the use of nuclear power. He believes that the world has to go for solar and hydrogen for its energy needs within the next 15/20 years when it would be cost-effective.
The crude oil cartel has hiked the price and if we go in for nuclear energy we would be at the mercy of uranium cartel in the next decade. Energy security is as important as food security. If India was able to produce enough food-grains for its people with green revolution, it can also produce enough electricity, if there is a will to use our technical and human resources for that purpose.
Since we do not have neither crude oil nor uranium to sustain our growth, we have to encourage our people to use solar energy in a big way as have almost 300 days of sun shine in this country. Wind energy should be used wherever possible. Simultaneously, we have to do intensive research in hydrogen and geothermal energy. Solar energy and gobar-gas energy can provide electricity to all our village homes. Mass transport in all our cities and towns would go a long way in reducing pollution and reducing energy consumption. Energy conservation has not received enough attention both with the government and the people. The energy availability for all and energy security for our country should be our aim.
May 19,2008.
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