Introduction

Ever since 1973 oil crises, many countries have justifiably maintained an abiding interest in renewable energy sources and as a result many renewable energy programs were developed. Since then, research and development in the field were more promising and reliable. Main advantage of renewable energy is that its main ingredient is renewable and it plays crucial role in meeting environmental standards by combating global warming and other threats. Above all, it is the only sustainable option to satisfy growing energy needs of the growing population. At the current rate of energy consumption, the limited reserves of coal, oil, and gas may last only for 197, 40, and 56 years respectively ^[1]. Our forests on the other hand are declining due to many reasons and recent studies show that firewood demand is not the only reason for forest degradation, though it contributes significantly. Environmental health of our planet is degrading and it is loosing its ecological balance. Climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, global warming, loss of biodiversity are some of the threats to be tackled if planet earth has to survive for long time. Energy issues are the focus of all these threats and therefore it needs special attention. Renewable energy sources promise to meet all the challenges, so as to attain the sustainable development.

Ever since man learnt to make use of fire and other energy resources there is a gradual transition and growth in energy use. From biomass to nuclear, wind and solar, the journey was too long. Many factors influenced and affected energy use. As a hunter-gatherer, needs were limited to biological energy in the form of food. With the development of agriculture practices and related transportation, energy need changed to animate energy. But industrial development and the development of fossil fuels brought about the major transformation in energy use. In fact discovery of fossil fuel made 'industrial revolution' possible and is considered as the most convenient fuel. On the other hand, burgeoning population is adding pressure on the existing resources (Table-1). This has necessitated for alternative energy sources.

Last sixty years has seen two and half time growth in population, while increase in energy demand for the corresponding period was about five times. This was mainly because increased standard of living in developed countries. Roughly 80% of the resources are consumed by developed countries, which constitute only 20% of the worlds' population. Such a wide disparity in resource use is a matter of concern for sustainable development.  This paper looks in to issues related to the energy consumption across various regions.  Integrated energy plan proposed has been discussed for Kolar district taking in to consideration energy demand, energy sources available, consumption of non local energy sources and prospects of harnessing renewable sources of energy.