INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

As the human population explodes, the available natural resources are becoming scarce.

Urgent, Practical, and efficient ways need to be devised to conserve and augment their

availability. Steps such as reducing their use, finding substitutes, and employing more

efficient and eco-friendly techniques are the methods that need proper attention.

The use of energy by humans in various activities has dominated the scene for several

centuries. However, in the last 150 years, the per capita consumption of energy has assumed

great importance. Energy, today is the driving force behind almost all developments. The

whole world is striving for generating more and more power using various resources

available. Thermal plants based on coal, gas, and liquid fossil fuels are still in vogue.