subject: Energy crises in Pakistan [print this page] Energy crises in Pakistan Energy crises in Pakistan
An energy crisis is shortage of the supply of energy resources. It is the shortage of all the energy resources as oil, gas and electricity. All the economies depend on constant and ample supply of energy. Since 1947 the need of electricity has increased 82 fold. Total power generation capacity in the country is about 19,500 MW, out of which Hydel Power is 6,500 MW, balance of 13,000 MW is thermal either using Natural Gas or Furnace Oil,450 MW is Nuclear and only 150 MW is through coal. There is net shortfall of 5000 mw and it is one third of the total needs. The country uses at least 25 billion units of electricity produced annually through furnace oil, which amounts to the total deficit of Rupees 425 Billion. Experts argue that the world is rapidly heading towards an energy crisis due to a non availability of cheap oil. They are recommending the alternate energy resources to lessen the dependency on the fossil oils. They are devising the new resources as s fuel cell technology, hydrogen fuel, biomethanol, biodiesel, Karrick process, solar energy, tidal energy and wind energy. The development of economy is fastened with the increased use of energy. The more the economies grow, the more energy it requires.
The requirements by 2015 are likely to cross 120MTOE and by 2030, the nation needs 7 times the current requirement (361MTOE). More than 80% of energy resources for Pakistan's energy requirements are fulfilled with through imports. The volatile situation of the world energy resources due to the socio-political condition of Iran Nigeria and china the oil prices are to touch $100 per barrel. The country has about 28 Trillion cft of recoverable gas available while the yearly consumption is about 1.2 Trillion cft. It shows that this quantity of gas would be sufficient for the next 15 years, so the electric generation plants should be run with gas. The country needs a great leap forward in electricity generation in small period of time to relapse the possibilities of load shedding in future. There is a yawning gap between demand and supply of electricity in Pakistan especially at peak hours.
There is an estimated difference of 5000 MW in demand and supply as Pakistan need 20000 MW electricity while total generating capacity is of 15000MW. Sky is the limit for these burgeoning problems because there seems no solution in the near future. It is the first and foremost duty of the government to provide the basic resources for the consistent progress of the economy. But unfortunately this is not the case in Pakistan. Not to speak of the people even the major industries want in the energy resources. Action to address the energy crises is required on a war basis.
Pakistanis are thinking only about the dams and atomic power projects while alternate energy resources are cheaper and quicker as compared with hydro power projects. Major sources of energy are the water, wind, coal, gas, petroleum. All these resources are available in Pakistan. Pakistan's vast wind power and coal deposits can produce as much as 4,000 megawatts. Power generation in Pakistan is also possible from biomass. Solar power is our cheapest source of electricity generation as there is no day in the whole year when we do not see the sun. Sunlight should be used as early as possible.
Atomic source of energy should be utilized properly. Atomic reactors should be built chiefly in those areas where the industries are in situated. Electricity can be generated through sea waters. Wind mills can be run in the coastal areas of Pakistan where the there is wind blowing all the year. Germany is producing 24 % of its electricity through windmills.
There is a need of sagacious use of available electricity to over come the issue urgently. The change in the ways of consumption of the electricity and the change of life style can help a lot to save energy. More than ten percent of electricity can be saved by austerity measures. The carelessness in the use of electricity and profligate wastage of it should be stopped.
Only a little change in the trends of electricity use would prove fruitful. Use of energy saver in stead of ordinary bulbs should be made compulsory for all and sundry. The decorative lights in shopping malls and use of lights without need can alleviate the burden to ten percent. In houses it should be used only for the necessity level. Luxuries should not be used. It demands collective change in the attitude on the part of the people. Maximum use of daylight in all offices and shops can substantially reduce their power consumption by changing their working hours.
