COLLOQUIUM ON ENERGY
Charles F. Knight Center
Friday, October 31, 2003
Time: 10 am - 12 noon

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Alternate Energy Sources: The Indian Context

Prof. S.P. Sukhatme
Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India
Professor Emeritus and Former Director
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

PANEL DISCUSSION ON ENERGY RELATED ISSUES:

* Deborah Chollet, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden's Gateway Center for Resource Efficiency (Community Energy Efficiency)

* Martin J. Lyons, Vice President, Ameren UE (Business Related Issues)

* Pratim Biswas, Stifel and Quinette Jens Professor, Environmental Engineering Science, Washington University in St. Louis (Transition to newer Energy Technologies)

* Jason Makansi, President, Pearl Street Inc. (Hydrogen Economy)
* Jeroen Swinkels, August Busch Distinguished Professor of Managerial Economics and Strategy, Washington University in St. Louis (Finance Related Issues)
* Dennis Houston, Executive Vice-President, ExxonMobil Refining and Supply (Business Related Issues)
* Ambar Rao, Fossett Distinguished Professor of Marketing, Washington University in St. Louis (Panel Moderator)

Abstract of Keynote Address:

India draws its resources for commercial energy from a variety of sources. These include fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), hydroelectric power and nuclear power. Of these, fossil fuels and nuclear power are non-renewable sources, while hydroelectric power is renewable. In this lecture, we first examine the rate of production and consumption of coal, oil and natural gas in India over the years. We also examine the growth of nuclear power and its contribution to the energy scene. Indications of the reserves available are given and estimates formed of the time periods for which these reserves will last. As far as hydroelectric power is concerned, estimates are presented of the potential available for increasing the present capacity. Based on these data, the need for alternative energy options will be established.

The two major alternatives are the solar option and the nuclear option. Solar energy may be used directly or indirectly. It is used directly via the thermal route or the photovoltaic route. Indirectly, apart from its existing use for hydroelectric power, it can be used through wind energy, energy from biomass, wave energy and temperature differences existing in the oceans. Under the nuclear option, the alternatives available are the breeder reactor and nuclear fusion. These alternatives will be briefly described keeping the Indian context in mind.

"The contents of this presentation are the personal views of Dr. Sukhatme and have no connection to official viewpoints of any organization."

This event is a part of the Environmental Colloquia being organized for the Sesquicentennial Year Celebrations: "The Role of Research Universities in Addressing Environmental Issues"

The event is sponsored by the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Olin School of Business.

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