The Uncertain Future of India-Pakistan-Iran Pipeline

bjkumar: That is indeed an interesting fact you point to - solar energy should be even more viable in the sub-continent, and I know one fellow in Pakistan who for many years has been using solar panels on his rooftop to cut energy costs. I think it is a question of time before solar energy becomes more popular. I wonder how much work was done in exploring returns to investments in alternative energy sources before they went for the gas pipeline idea.

#92 by ignoranus
Knock, knock
``Who is there?``
Agarbatti
``Agarbatti who``
Agar batti na hoti, beharam bechara hameysha constipated rehta!
Sridhar
P.S: Batti is a vernacular for a rectal suppository. It could also mean a sugarcane!

IAEA refers Iran to the UNSC

February 04, 2006 17:50 IST

Supported by India and 26 other countries, the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency Saturday reported Iran to the United Nations Security Council in a resolution expressing concern that Tehran`s nuclear programme may not be ``exclusively for peaceful purposes``.

Alephnull#81:

``dm-ji, do you understand how thorium utilization is to be achieved, and why it will unavoidably take time (quite apart from the engineering problems to be overcome)?``

No, I do not. (but I am all ears :))
All I have read is how Kerala is abundant in radioactive Thorium, which is going to be the solution to India`s search for nuclear fuel.

and my dear Aleph and Sridhar -- before u 2 nuclearize ALL India including the Laloo Land -- don`t forget Bhopal -- one carbide factory and look what the `Indians did with it`.....

behram1 #92

`` burpinder:

{How about sugarcane energy? Is that a viable source?} Of course, and Indians love it. ``

Brazil has considerable success on ethanol extracted from molasses (sugarcane left over after juice is removed).

Since India`s population is six times that of Brazil`s ethanol might not solve all of India`s petroluem needs. The impact of sugarcane upon the environment has to be considered. Sugarcane requires a lot of water. Water management issues need to be evaluated.

#91

burpinder:

{How about sugarcane energy? Is that a viable source?} Of course, and Indians love it.

Re: # 69

How about sugarcane energy? Is that a viable source?

Aleph and Sridhar when you bring France to stand beside the giant India -- not even against one of its regrettable states Bihar -- then the only vernacular I can use is: chay piddi aur chay piddi kaa shorba.....may be DM will explain the menaing.....:)

ahem...DM..what was that about Pakistan guaranteeing the security of the pipeline?


I`m curious: At what point do people go from being miscreants to militant fighters? is it 275 rockets? 300 rockets?

Over 270 rockets hit Dera Bugti

By Muhammad Ejaz Khan

QUETTA: Over 270 rockets rained on the town of Dera Bugti on Friday when suspected miscreants hit the city from different sites, targeting communication and national installations.

Dera Bugti administration officials said most of the rockets hit the Frontier Corps (FC) fort, its check-post, civil colony and government offices, while the other buildings also came under attack. However, no loss of life was reported.

DCO Dera Bugti Abdul Samad Lasi said in retaliation from the paramilitary Frontier Corps, the miscreants fled. He said the gas supply from Pirkoh and Loti gas fields may be closed down in the next few days, as the water supply pipeline could not be repaired despite passage of considerable time due to sabotage activities. Currently, water is being supplied to the gas fields by water tankers, he added. He said rockets fell on a tanker, carrying water for a gas field.

The following excerpt regarding the potential for solar energy appears in a publication from my favorite source - the U.S. Department of Energy. I am unsure regarding the assumptions that were used to come up with these estimates, but am quoting it here nevertheless just so that our friend Tauheed Ahmed (#77) can go to bed tonight feeling happy and start the day tomorrow singing like a lark!

``....it is estimated that a land mass of about 13,456 square miles —less than 0.5%of the U.S.mainland land mass,or about 25%of the area currently used for the nation ’s highway/roadway system —could provide as much electricity as presently consumed in the United States.The key to tapping into this vast,indigenous resource is in developing cost-effective solar energy systems that can harness the sun ’s energy and turn that energy into useable forms of work.....``

re:#68 by dost-mittar
DMji,
You are right. ATBR will take time (if at all it proves to be good technology). It is however assured energy (all raw materials available within India). India need not depend on an outsider for her energy needs.
Sridhar

re:#62 by nasah
More than 70% of France`s energy needs are met by nuclear reactors. Given the fact that India is sitting on world`s largest reserve of thorium, it makes eminent sense to go for thorium reactors. This is however a long range option. For immediate energy needs, India would have to look to Saudi Arabia, Nigeria etc.
Sridhar

along with energy production, there will be technological changes on efficiencies in consumption as well. for example, in northern hemisphere, homes can be fitted with a $5000 plant, which circulates water underground. this water comes back at 50 degree farenheight summer or winter and is used to offset heating and air conditioning costs. even simple intelligent homes can reduce heating costs. autos for sure will be 20-30 more efficient in just 5 years using existing affordable technologies making some space in demand side of the equation, and these advances will benefit all including indian (and eyranian) consumers.

its just that currently gas is so cheap..its cheaper than good bottled water.

Re: #various.

Solar energy alone would be a poor choice for baseload power generation. Similarly with wind energy. Would anyone like to explain why?

If employed on a large scale, these sources would have to be used in conjunction with means for large-scale energy storage – perhaps via water reservoirs feeding hydel power stations.

What is quite attractive about solar power – if the efficiency and fabrication issues for solar cells are overcome - is its promise of decentralised environmental benign power production. With every house having a rooftop solar array, it is conceivable that the usual flow of energy on the grid from utilities to households could be reversed at certain periods.

nasah #62

{{now the thorium reactors -- currently no sensible mind can envision a day when a country all energy requirements will be met by nuclear power plants}}

Why not? France produces about 80% of its electricity via nuclear power plants. Take a look at their energy profile. They are a net electricity exporter – they could meet almost all of their domestic requirements using nuclear power alone.

Why shouldn’t India aim for something similar? Why is this not sensible? Are you, a scientist, turning Luddite in your golden years?

Also take a look at Japan, which produces 15% of its domestic energy from nuclear power plants.