Business

Pakistan asked to produce 30% of power from renewable sources

Power crisis likely to worsen with depleting hydrocarbon reserves

Our Correspondent October 12, 2018

Representational image. PHOTO: REUTERS

KARACHI: Pakistan should set the target of generating at least 30% of electricity from renewable energy resources in the next five to seven years as this is the only way for the country to tackle its power crisis which is expected to exacerbate with depleting hydrocarbon reserves and increasing fuel costs.

Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) Chief Executive Officer Amjad Ali Awan stated this on Thursday while speaking at the inaugural session of the Third International Wind Energy Summit 2018.

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“This is the current global trend as everyone concerned in the outside world including international agencies and donors are ready to fully support us,” he said. “So, there is no other viable option for us apart from working to develop and expand our renewable energy sector.”

He said Pakistan had to increase its reliance on renewable energy for power generation as, at present, indigenous resources of natural gas accounted for 24% of electricity produced in the country. “An alternative had to be found to replace the fast depleting gas resources,” he added.

“Re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) is being imported to lessen reliance on indigenous gas reserves.”

He pointed out that up to 63% of RLNG, which was being brought into the energy system of the country, was being used for power generation.

The AEDB chief stressed that power generation on the basis of RLNG was not a feasible option from the consumer point of view because the electricity produced had a higher tariff of up to Rs9.02 per kilowatt-hour.

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“Alternative sources of energy are the most viable option on the basis of which electricity is being generated all over the world with the lowest tariff for maximum economic benefit of the consumers,” Awan said. He revealed that countries like Germany and Denmark are generating over 60% of their electricity from alternative means.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2018.

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COMMENTS (3)

Advice | 6 years ago | Reply Both government,private sector,companies, individuals, have to invest time and resources on renewable resources, in doing research, education, designing, making of equipment for local consumption. There is a great potential in Pakistan to use solar energy for producing both power and hot water, we really do not need gas heaters, for domestic use, there are multiple ways this can be done using solar energy. Again for air conditioning absorption methods can be used using solar energy and producing power. The government and private sector should set up exhibition centers for the public in all major cities using different systems for water heating, air-conditioning, power generation using solar energy. Also to save water using grey water, i.e water from kitchen sinks, basins, showers, can be reused after filtration, for W.C. and landscaping, gardening etc. There is a need for greater effort on us citizens.

anarchy | 6 years ago | Reply Lets get sustained/permanent power turned on to Karachi - our Financial Capital B4 we focus on political correct power sources. Face facts - we are a 3rd world country which has yet to establish a reliable electric grid let alone try to improve it.

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