Alternative source of electricity

Electricity has become an indispensable component of modern life. In fact, after air and water, electricity is the only man made resource that is essentially needed to lead a normal life. Apart from Eskimos and a handful of backward tribes inhabiting the forests of Asia, Africa and South America, everybody else needs electricity at every step.

However, to produce electricity, except for hydro-power and solar power, we are now totally dependent on fossil fuel, be it coal, oil or natural gas. In fact, we are so dependent on natural gas that we can hardly think about any other options within our reach. It looks like, we have taken it for granted that our gas reserve shall last until eternity.

Time is fast running out and we must explore all other possible options. Wind power, for instance, has to be utilised. Human solid waste, another option, has to be exploited in full. This combined with kitchen and animal waste, can be used as fuel for generating electricity. The government should take all possible measures in harnessing these resources. Thailand has successfully exploited human and animal waste as primary fuel for power generation. We may also follow the Thai example and ease the pressure on natural gas for production of electricity.

Engr. S.A.Mansoor

Dhaka.