Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Sher Ali Khan said that the Punjab government is actively pursuing alternative energy projects.
The minister, talking at a seminar on the use of biomass for power generation under the auspices of sustainable production centre, said the province was not just focusing on solar energy, but a number of wind energy projects as well.
He said that coal is the only available indigenous and inexpensive alternative energy resource, which has the potential to not only ensure self-sufficiency in the energy sector but also turn Pakistan into a power-exporting country.
“Globally, coal as a fossil fuel contributes 41% in electricity generation.”
Representatives of the textile sector were also present at this seminar and showed keen interest in utilising biomass as a sustainable energy source.
Experts say that bio energy has multiple purposes and can be used to overcome the electricity challenge besides making a considerable contribution to curb the threat of climate change.
Biomass energy has the potential to convert a wide variety of wastes into clean energy besides being a substitute for diminishing global oil supplies.
Further highlighting the usefulness of bio energy, speakers at the seminar said that this source can play a vital role in the production of carbon-neutral fuels of high quality.
“It can address many environmental issues, especially global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also facilitate sustainable development among poor communities. Biomass fuel sources are readily available in rural and urban areas of all countries.” All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Chairman International Trade Committee, Amir Fayyaz said sustainable consumption and production had become a necessity.
He added that the textile industry, being predominantly export-oriented, is swiftly working to use biomass-based energy for continuous operations. Some 67% of processing mills have already started utilising biomass for boilers.
Fayyaz said it is the time to search for solutions on energy security, affordability and sustainability. The government should also come forward with policies to overcome the prevailing energy shortages for industry and enable it to undertake investment initiatives.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2014.
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