Department of Science and Humanities – Café Session

The Department of Science and Humanities, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, had its ninth Departmental Café Sessions on April 12, 2021. The resource person for the afternoon was Mr. Sanford Fritz Mascarenhas, Assistant Professor (Geology) of the Department of Science and Humanities. His session was on the topic ‘Energy: Needs, Choices & Possibilities.

Mr. Sanford Mascarenhas introduced the topic by reminding the audience that for every activity that is carried out, energy is utilised. He mentioned that even when one commutes from place to place, energy derived from fossil fuels is used up. Sourcing his information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, he showed different graphs that enlightened the audience on the amount of energy consumed. He also mentioned that India ranked at the 7^th position in total energy consumption in the year 2018. He further elaborated that fossil fuels like Oil, Natural Gas and Coal are consumed in the highest quantity for the fulfillment of all human needs. He referred the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2020 which has calculated that coal might last only for another century and Natural gas and Oil will last for about 50 years only.

After displaying some eye opening graphs, he then went on to show the choices that are available for sustainable development and consumption. He said that even though the world may have the options of solar, hydro, wind, tidal, geothermal and biomass, the space or the methods of acquiring these to the fullest are not yet available. He offered that gas hydrates, polymetallic nodules and oil shales can also be possible options for sustainable energy consumption. He spoke in detail about each of these options and gave a geographical overview of places from where these energies can be harnessed. His session was followed by a healthy round of Q&A. This eloquent and informative session was attended by 12 faculties of the Department of Science and Humanities.