Energy security through coal

Coal is back but with application of Clean Coal Technologies: this was the clear message shared at the 40th International Pittsburgh Coal Conference held in Istanbul October 4-6, 2023. My paper titled ‘Experience of SNG Production from Thar Coal in Pakistan’ was well received by the experts. After investing over $5 trillion in research for transition to carbon-free energy, there is a realisation that for the base load it is still required. New concepts like Low Carbon Pathway, Coal Beyond Combustion and Coal Value Chain have emerged. Gasification of coal is the way forward. India plans to convert 100 MTY (million tons per year) of the black gold into gas for multiple uses. The National Institute of Clean and Low-Carbon Energy (NICE) in China has succeeded in producing multiple products after gasification. While combustion is being phased out, this important energy resource is here to stay till a better option is developed to share the base load.

With its 175 billion tons of coal at Thar, Pakistan is well-placed to meet its energy needs through the development of ‘Clean Coal Based Energy System’. While in the year 1952 it was the discovery of Sui Gas at Dera Bugti area of Balochistan. At 12 TCF (trillion cubic feet) it was considered one of the world’s largest deposits. Today Thar has this unique distinction. Both were gifts of nature. In a world driven by technology, energy security plays a key role in economic stability. It also strengthens the internal frontiers of the nation which have been long missing. Affordable and sustainable energy is the way forward.

In the year 2002, an Energy Foresight Committee was formed by the Planning Commission (PC). As Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation, I was entrusted with the task of evaluating the coal potential as an energy resource for the country. Till that time, Pakistan remained an energy surplus nation mainly because of the Sui deposits. After a brain storming session with the professionals in the field, it was decided that the first challenge was the mining at Thar to extract the Black Gold that lay underneath. I visited the friendly Muslim country of Bosnia that had several coal-fired plants producing inexpensive power. Dr Akram Sheikh, the Deputy Chairman PC, agreed to provide funds to start mining of the much-needed fuel. Unfortunately, the then mining minister in Sindh not supportive. Several vested interests also jumped in to hijack the project with unfounded myths like ‘Coal is unsuitable as it is has high sulhpur and moisture contents’. In reality, at 1% it is a lower sulphur deposit, while moisture can be drastically reduced (from 40% to 10%) by exposure to the sun. Then last year as Consultant to the Sindh Energy, we started a project for gasification. Samples were shipped to experts in South Africa where experiments and complete characterisation were carried out. Thar Coal is suitable for gasification which is the way forward for the use of coal in the 21st century.

With this huge energy resource at a shallow depth of about 150 meters, Pakistan is well-placed to meet all its energy needs. After gasification several products can be produced from this gift of nature. The North Dakota Gasification Company produces SNG, ammonium sulphate, anhydrous ammonia, carbon dioxide, dephenolised cresylic acid, diesel exhaust fuels, krypton, xenon gases, liquid nitrogen, naptha, phenol, tar oil, urea. China is producing olefins, LNG, diesel. India is producing 50% power by burning coal. With two functional mines at Thar, currently 6,000 megawatt of power is being generated at Rs8 per unit compared to the average of Rs30 from imported fuel.

With its massive gas transmission and distribution network, gas is being imported for distribution at a much lower price, creating circular debt. With the ever-rising international gas prices ($20 mmbtu), the gas is unaffordable. With the gasification of Thar coal, this cost can be drastically reduced (to $8 mmbtu). Pakistan today produces both unaffordable power and gas. The circular debts continue to spiral (Rs2.5 trillion in the power sector).

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2023.

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