Power generation: Govt urged to make alternative energy move

Developing countries are producing their major energy share from coal but unfortunately Pakistan has failed to utilise its coal assets. These views were expressed by renowned scientist Dr Samar Mubarakmand while addressing the 2nd international conference on “Power Generation Systems and Renewable Energy Technologies”.

Pakistan has the fourth largest reserves of coal in the world of which fuel and gas can be produced for years depending on funds, he said, urging the government to shift to alternatives including coal, nuclear, wind and solar energy to meet its increasing needs.

The conference was organised by International Islamic University Islamabad’s mechanical engineering department.

He said a major part of energy in Pakistan is being produced by furnace oil and gas which is very costly, adding that gas plants are also less efficient in power production. “Thar coal power project will contribute environment friendly energy with lowest cost for years,” he said.

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences Emeritus Scholar Dr Inaamur Rehman gave a detailed briefing about nuclear power plants and energy production in the country.

He was of the view that nuclear energy is cleaner, safer and cheaper than any other source of energy production.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2015.