Time to gain freedom from fossil fuels and supply chain uncertainties

Petroleum-based solvents and detergents can be replaced by highly effective, low-toxicity, environment friendly, bio-derived, and mineral-based renewables.

- DR P.S. VENKATESH RAO

78 years after Independence, we are still dependent on crude and gas from the Gulf region, a major strategic, economic and health vulnerability to the Strait of Hormuz choke point.

Global pollution from smoke, microplastics, and oil spills, to consequences of climate change, is all due to unsustainable dependence on fossil fuels. With 17.7% (slightly more than a sixth) of the world’s population, we should lead the world in transition to sustainable energy, fertilizer, and recyclable biopolymer alternatives. The Solar Alliance, the shift towards green hydrogen, biofuels, biofertilizers, and thorium-based nuclear energy with nuclear waste recycling are all commendable, but we need a major push from our reform-minded, progress-oriented, mission-mode government, with active private participation.

Energy security is our most important immediate target. We are making efforts to massively increase non-fossil sources of energy, but need to focus our research efforts on:

Synthetic fuels: Green hydrogen is being adapted for heavy transportation and power grid balancing. By capturing industrial carbon emissions and CO2 from air and combining them with green hydrogen, replacements for traditional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel are being developed. Green Hydrogen is ideal for high-heat industrial processes like cement, steel, ceramics, and glass manufacturing.