Future of Energy
Two news items in the Daily News main section and the business pages
caught our attention this morning. One is that the Government is mulling
cheaper energy sources and the other is about a computer that can be
powered by a cheaper power source, apart from mains electricity.
Both these are significant developments, given the energy crunch the
country is facing. They appear to be quite separate developments, but in
essence they point to a future where we will be less dependent on fossil
fuels, for the import of which we spend billions of rupees every year.
The bitter truth is that most of Lanka's electricity is generated by
diesel-operated thermal power plants. It is a power source whose price
is constantly increasing. Moreover, it is a non-renewable source of
power. Sri Lanka will get a respite once oil is commercially extracted
from the Mannar Basin and other areas, but it would not be a permanent
solution.
In this context, the National Economic Council chaired by the
President must be lauded for deciding to explore the possibility of
moving into renewable and cheaper energy sources in a big way.
Two such sources come to mind immediately: solar and wind power. Both
resources are available freely, are renewable and above all, practically
free, save the cost of initial infrastructure. Other countries have
already taken giant strides in this direction.
Solar power is already being used on a limited scale in many parts of
the country. In more affluent homes, solar panels (photovoltaic cells)
are used solely for heating water but in the interior, many households
rely on them to power light bulbs and several appliances. The cost of
panels keeps decreasing all the time.
The Government must seriously consider granting a substantial subsidy
for solar panel installation at least in villages to which the National
Grid cannot reach at present. Wind power is also continually evolving.
The latest wind farms in Europe are making a substantial contribution
to the respective countries' national grids. The initial cost is
somewhat high but once up and running it is virtually maintenance and
cost free.
Several areas in Sri Lanka have already been cited as potential wind
farm sites and the Government must take the momentum forward.
Having infrastructure for alternative power sources will not by
itself solve the problem. Both public and private sectors must prepare
the groundwork for an 'alternative energy' future.
At least one company has already shown the way - PC House, makers of
computers, is designing a low-cost computer which can be powered by an
alternative source.
This will take computers to villages which still do not have mains
electricity. We hope that this thinking will permeate to other
institutions, public and private. The future is already here. |