Page 19 - Biofuels Refining and Performance

2 Chapter One

2. Artificial photosynthesis: Hydrogen production from water, using
metal oxide semiconductor photocatalyst systems and effective fixa-
tion of CO by metal or metal complex catalysts.
2
Estimated contribution of renewable energy resources in the United
States by AD 2000, excluding hydro- and geothermal energy, amounts to
approximately 5% of the estimated total consumption of 100 quads.
2
Tropical countries, namely, India, receive 1648–2108 kWh/m of solar
energy in different parts with 250–300 days of sunshine, most of which
is unutilized.
While shifting our attention from today into the future, we should look
at some discussions that took place in the 12th Congress of World
Energy, a conference held in New Delhi, during September 18–23, 1983,
the main themes of which were management, policy, development, and
quality of life. There were four divisions, and each of these divisions had
four sections containing 157 technical papers. In the concluding session,
Dr. J. S. Foster, chairman of the program committee, on behalf of the
International Executive Council, gave a summary.

1. Innovation: Commenting on innovation, a report from Israel nar-
rated absorption refrigeration, and Austria reported on a thermal
power plant, investigating a treble Rankine cycle using three sepa-
rate working fluid loops. Brazil reported methane from urban refuge
and collaborative international efforts on controlled nuclear fusion
were highlighted.
2. Self-Reliance: Self-reliance has been well emphasized.
3. Diversification: Diversification in national or regional supply
ensures a robust energy structure, reducing vulnerability to vagaries
of nature, resource, or market fluctuations.
4. Dependence: Dependence on fossil fuels can be reduced with proper
substitution by biogas, solar, wind, and nuclear powers.
5. Efficiency and conservation: Waste heat recovery, cogeneration,
and recycling of energy were in the technological aspect. Public and
social consciousness through education is the other aspect.
6. Development: International cooperation and development assis-
tance should involve mainly (a) financial resources, (b) technology
transfers, and (c) transfer of managerial and engineering skills.
7. Care of the environment: Pollutions from fossil fuels, nuclear reac-
tors, and effects on forests and vegetation from dams are to be studied
along with future expansion schemes.
8. Quality of life: Indiscriminate and unplanned use of energy may
lead to negative and harmful impacts. Need for energy education