The social and economic development of mankind
has been chiefly energy dependent at the present juncture. Hence, the
energy demand has been exponentially expanding, bringing about our
over-dependence on fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum and natural gas,
said experts while participating in a webinar on the theme ‘Hydrogen -
The ultimate solution to energy-environment crises', organised by the
Orissa Environmental Society.
Fossil fuels, on the contrary, have resulted in accumulation of huge
amounts of emitted greenhouse gases, principally carbon dioxide, in the
atmosphere, besides other pollutants. This has engendered the current
challenges of global warming and the consequent climate change across
the globe, they said.
Against this backdrop, the energy researchers are in search of alternative
clean sources of energy for tackling the greenhouse gas emission that
has been the driver of catastrophic global warming. In addition to
focusing on non-conventional sources such as solar, wind, wave,
geothermal, biological and nuclear; hydrogen is seen as a long-term
carbon-free source for the future, which is now promoted by the
industry. Blue hydrogen, produced from natural gas, is touted as a low-
carbon fuel that is used for generating electricity, heating buildings, and
powering cars, trains, trucks etc. However, green hydrogen, produced
using electrolysis of water, is considered the cleanest source of energy.
The toughest challenge before the technologists is to make it cost-
effective. To tackle the ever mounting environmental problems, the
Governments, policymakers and researchers need to undertake all
possible measures to make green hydrogen the eventual source of
energy, they opined.
Chief guest of the programme was Dr Lalit Mohan Das, former
Professor of the Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi. He discussed
about the prospective alternative fuels such as hydrogen, CNG, bio-
diesel, ethanol, methanol, LPG, biogas and other sources.
Now, hydrogen is gathering momentum as a key transition pillar and
more than 30 countries, including India, have prepared detailed road
maps with time-bound goals through well-defined routes for harnessing
it, he said and narrated how green hydrogen can be produced using
renewable electricity and how the National Hydrogen Mission, launched
recently, is going to revolutionise the energy sector in India.
Chairing the programme, OES president Dr Sundara Narayan Patro
stressed on increased awareness on energy conservation for reducing the
pollution load and changing our lifestyles so as to reduce energy
consumption.
The welcome address was presented by OES secretary Dr Jaya Krushna
Panigrahi. Vice-president, Dr Lala AK Singh introduced the guests,
while former PCCF Dr Bijay Ketan Patnaik offered a vote of thanks.
Prof Krushna Chandra Sahu, Dr DP Mishra, Dr Bisweswar Das and Er
Bimal Krushna among others spoke.