Tidal energy potential: Exploration, exploitation to be expedited

Dr Asrar says Pakistan needs to develop capacity in the areas of mining of the seabed for utilising the minerals.

ISLAMABAD: Exploitation of tidal energy potential, sea-based minerals and gas hydrates will be expedited, as Marine Scientific Research in the Arabian Sea found evidence of presence of large quantity of gas hydrates off-shores of the Makran Coast. According to National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (ST&I) 2012, target oriented exploration activities are required to be conducted to quantify and map the expected potential  of this huge source of natural methane gas as well as oil and gas resources in maritime areas. The policy focuses that exploration and exploitation of maritime areas has to be pursued more vigorously to meet the future challenges of energy demand. Chairperson of the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST) Dr Mudasar Asrar said Pakistan also needs to develop capacity in the areas of mining of the seabed for utilising the minerals.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2012.