LAHORE: The Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers of Pakistan (IEEEP) has urged the government to fully rely on solar power to address the prevailing energy shortage in the country.
IEEEP President Engr Mohsin S Naqvi, addressing a press conference on Pakistan Energy Crisis and its Solution at Flatties Hotel, highlighted thatthe history and background of present loadshedding, measures taken by different government to cut short difference between demand and supply of electricity internally through IPPS, rental plants, coal projects and last by installing solar energy systems as well as import of electricity from neighbouring countries.
A detailed multimedia presentation was given by him in support of adoption of system of use of solar energy by installing panels in domestic, agriculture and industrial sector. Its cost is lower as compared to conventional methods of storage and use of electricity through UPS. This UPS may be used as storage head from solar panel during sunlight, which may save 2000MW which is the present shortfall. This will be a public awareness and campaign against loadshedding by all consumers in different sectors of economy.
Mohsin advocated and supported the use of solar panels to reduce burden on NTDC/ DISCOs grid, reduced consumption bill and line losses of distribution system. He further disclosed that state bank of Pakistan is planning to sanction loans for installation of solar panels. Consumer may also sale back surplus electricity to national grid , giving relief to present shortfall.
He also declared Neelum Jehlum Hydro Power Project a source of satisfaction to provide 1000MW to national grid by 2017 & 18. If during intervening period solar panels are installed, this may reduce the electricity gap. He replied numerous questions regarding energy crises put by press. The press conference was also addressed by Engr Prof Rana Abdul Jabbar khan, ex COO QUAID-E-AZAM Solar power project Bahawalpur, showing satisfaction that project has been completed in record period and will be inaugurated soon.
He further disclosed that 50 sites have been selected for installation of solar project and declared it as big achievement of Punjab government. The government is working to add considerable power capacity in next 3-5 years but such initiatives will not bridge increasing gap in electricity demand and supply as demand of power will also surge in near future. In order to effectively reduce demand supply gap of electricity, government should focus on solar power, he maintained. To meet the power shortages and other chronic associated problems, IEEEP would like to propose the solar energy solutions for the residential, agriculture, industrial system, Mohsin said.
Talking about possible solar uses in the agriculture sector, he said, at least 100,000 tube wells should operate on the solar system. This intervention would help remove 1500 to 2000 MW from the system. Such solar tube wells could help in meeting drinking water needs as well as supply water farms for irrigation purposes besides coupled with fulfilling requirements of animals.
