Energy generation has been a major concern for several decades. But why is it so? What is the significance of energy generation in our lives? To answer these questions, let’s consider a usual day in the life of an average individual. We turn on the lights when we are bothered by the darkness at night. From watching television to working on a computer, we are surrounded by a plethora of technologies and appliances that make our lives easier and comfortable thus consuming a significant quantity of energy. All this symbolizes the importance of energy in our life.

Globally for a quite long time, most of the energy requirements are fulfilled by thermal power plants. According to the statistics, a country's energy consumption per capita is considered as a key measure of economic progress in the current scenario. In India, the total supply of energy is 75 percent, with coal accounting for around 65 percent, acting as one of the backbones of the industry.

But since we know that coal, being a fossil fuel, has a finite supply. If their consumption is not restricted, these fossil fuels will continue to deplete. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), there are total 47 coal-fired power plants and India has roughly 20 coal-fired thermal plants resulting an average energy efficiency of only 32.8 percent. Low plant efficiency causes more coal to be burnt, increasing the amount of CO2 produced. Thermal power plants are not considered environment friendly due to the exhaust from burnt coal being frequently released untreated into the atmosphere (containing greenhouse gases that are direct contributors to global warming).

Due to the pandemic, there has been a severe scarcity of coal for thermal power plants in recent years and if we continue to use these fossil fuel at the current rate without finding additional reserves, it is expected that coal will last until 2060. Thus, the use of thermal power plants needs to be stopped to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels seeking alternatives.

We have a variety of options that can replace and reduce our reliance on thermal power plants, but not all are viable, for example - Wind Energy Farms, Geo-Thermal Power Plants, Solar Power Plants, and Thermal Solar Power Plants. Each approach listed above has been researched, tested, and demonstrated. Since they rely on natural renewable resources, they could fulfil all the cons of thermal power plants. Solar and wind power plants are already producing electricity as well as the geothermal power plants using the core heat of the earth.

Most significant advancement in the application of corona discharge is Corona spark plug system. Usually, discharge consists Will it be possible to shift to the new alternatives all of a sudden now? If yes, then why it has not been successfully done yet? These need to be answered. Even if we have various options, transitioning to new technology, especially one that supplies power to nearly 75% of the world's population will be difficult. Aside from that, the current alternatives have several flaws that stymie technological development and implementation. Solar panels, for example, have an efficiency of 18-20%, while geothermal power facilities have an efficiency of around 7-10%. Despite all of this adversity, there is always a possibility for a bright future. Despite the fact that our scientists and engineers are constantly working to find alternatives, we must give them necessary time by managing usage of energy. The road is undoubtedly difficult to travel, but if there is a will, there is a way and science has a solution for everything.