Causes of Energy Scarcity
Energy scarcity is a global issue impacting technological, social, and economic development, particularly in countries like India. The dependence on other nations for energy has further complicated these challenges. The energy use scenario reveals significant inequality, with a 30% population is utilizing 70% of energy and 70% population is forced to live with the 30% of the remaining energy.
1. Increasing Population:
- The global population is growing at an alarming rate, leading to increased energy demands.
- The Malthusian population model predicts a manifold increase in population by the turn of the 21st century, with uneven distribution worldwide.
- Africa has the highest population growth rate, followed by South Asia and Europe. This growth means more people need energy, leading to higher demand.
2. Increasing Energy Usage or Consumption:
- Energy is essential for technological, social, and economic development.
- It powers homes, industries, and transportation, playing a crucial role in modern life.
- World Energy Council has provided the most reliable prediction as shown in Figure. This indicates that by 2050, the world population will nearly be doubled from the present level and will rise to about 10 billion. Likewise, energy demand is projected to be at least double than the present level (Energy council).
3. Uneven Distribution of Energy Resources:
- Wealthy countries have access to and consume the largest portion of the world’s energy resources.
- This uneven distribution leads to environmental and social instability in various regions.
- For example, Middle East countries, rich in crude oil, are often involved in conflicts, and their resources are exploited by wealthier nations.
- Geographical factors contribute to the uneven distribution of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources.
4. Lack of Technical Knowhow:
- Some regions with abundant energy resources cannot fully utilize them due to a lack of technical knowledge.
- Resources are often mined and processed in energy-rich countries but refined and used in developed countries.
- This process doesn’t fairly benefit the energy resources rich countries and often harms their environment.
- However, resources drive significant economic and environmental benefits in techno-economically developed countries.
Factors to be Considered for Solving Energy Crunch Problems
1. Population Control: Efforts should be made to minimize population growth to reduce energy demands.
2. Development of Energy Conversion Techniques: Focus on converting primary energy resources (like coal, sunlight) into usable forms like electrical, hydrogen, and heat energy. The goal is to make this energy easy to produce, manage, and use.
3. Environmental Considerations: New energy systems should be as pollution-free as possible to ensure environmental acceptability.
4. Reliable Energy Storage Systems: Develop cheap and reliable energy storage systems to ensure a stable energy supply.
5. Energy Independence: It’s important for countries to develop their energy sources so they don’t have to rely too much on others.
6. Energy Management: Implement effective energy management strategies to optimize energy use and reduce wastage.