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 20th, 2012.
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New provisional patent issued here advocates pipeline connection from seabed offshore to underground silos on land. These may be vertical, where tide range is high, or series of large bore pipeline arrays where tide range is limited. Tide flow into and out of these drives air from silos through air turbines at apexes for power generation. This installation has many advantages including low marine exposure therefore reduced maintenance, and use of cowled vertical axis air turbines which are extremely efficient and located on land surface. Audio and visual pollution is almost non-existent. Where offshore currents are suitable, power may be used for electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen.