Alternate Energy sources

In quite a significant breakthrough in the alternative source of energy in Pakistan, Rural Electrification Programme provided solar energy to around 3000 homes in forty-nine villages of Sindh.

In the very next step, another project for electrification of 300 villages in remote areas of Balochistan has been approved this will be launched by the Alternate Energy Development Board.

Without any doubt, there is lot of scope for generation of alternate energy through wind, solar, solid waste and small hydro resources but regrettably no particular consideration has been given in this regard. Consequently, the country is not only suffering from stultifying shortages but precious and large amount of foreign exchange on the import of furnace oil to run major thermal power plants.

In 1980s, Pakistan launched some experimental solar generation plants but unfortunately these were deserted due to lack of initiatives at the Federal Government level.

Abrupt development in solar energy technologies has made it an alternative to fuel power generation in many countries. Pakistan is the 6^th most prosperous country in the world where sun-availability is up to 16 hours on average and if special attention is paid for launching solar energy projects it can to a great extent overcome the rising energy needs.

The solar energy intensity in the sun-belt is approximately 1,800-2,200 KWh per square meter with an annual sunshine duration of 8 to 8.5 hours. These values are among the highest in the world and ideal for the photo voltaic and concentrating solar plants.

There is lot of scope for solar plants in Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab but unfortunately two projects for solar power generation, one each in Punjab and Sindh given to the private sector have not taken off.

Experts believe that Punjab was the most suitable place for setting up solar energy projects and China could help in launching new solar energy projects.

One can hope that the governments, whether federal or provincials, would pay due attention to exploitation of this cheap and environmental friendly source of energy on a fast track basis to meet the increasing demand.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=13135

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Feb 18 2012. Filed under National, Opinion, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.