Renewable energy resources: Experts warn against relying on fossil fuels

ISLAMABAD: Energy experts at the fourth international conference on power generation systems and renewable energy technologies on Monday underlined the need for using indigenous and renewable energy resources.

They also emphasised the need to stop relying solely on fossil fuels. The three day conference is organised by International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI)’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (DME). The conference commenced on Monday at the university’s Faisal Masjid campus.

Experts, researchers and educationists discussed topics such as ocean energy and hydro power generation, fossil fuels power generation system and technologies and renewable energy systems. Speaking on the occasion, Member National Assembly Sadqat Ali Abbasi said that the incumbent government was keen to have a linkage between academia and the relevant ministries.

He also reminisced about his student life at IIUI and paid rich tributes to the establishment.

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) former chairman Dr Ansar Parvez discussed accidents that happened in the nuclear plants across the world and also elaborated misconceptions about risk factors, while also elaborating on usage and impact of using hydroelectric, wind and solar power energy resources.

IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai said: "We will have to find indigenous solutions to the indigenous problems."  He said Pakistan was facing an acute shortage of energy and relevant institutions must consider utilising resources available at the 800 kilometer coastal belt, nuclear power resources, ample sun shine across the year.

IIUI President Dr Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh said that the Muslim world must focus on the usage of contemporary technologies and utilise the resources of Muslim countries for the betterment of Muslims across the world.

Earlier, Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) Dean Dr Muhammad Amir elaborated the objective and sessions of the conference. It was also attended by the IIUI Vice Presidents, Dr Muhamamd Tahir Khalily, Dr Aqdas Naveed Malik, Dr Farkhanda Zia, DME Head Dr Saeed Badshah, faculty members, students and relevant officials of the university.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2018.