The Pakistani and Chinese firms are working on a project to produce 1.3 gigawatts electricity by using coal in Thar desert. The country has millions of tons coal deposits which could be utilized to resolve the decades old energy crisis. The industry of the country is expanding and needs 24 hour uninterrupted power supply. However, the daily blackouts have not only affected the industrial activities, but also domestic consumers. The shortage of electricity has been seen as one of the principle reasons hindering the industrial growth. At a time when various countries of the world, including China, are curtailing their reliance on coal-fired power stations, Pakistan is shifting to the coal energy which could cause environmental hazards at the end. Media reports suggest that many countries, including Germany, are gradually switching over to the clean energy though coal-fired stations still cater to the needs of their industry. Pakistan has signed $3.5 billion deal with China to build the coal power plant and is spending another $3 billion to lay down a transmission line across the country.
The current Chinese government is friendly with Pakistan and is using its resources to develop infrastructure and energy sectors in Pakistan, but conditions could change any time in the future. According to experts, coal reserves are the natural treasure for the energy starved Pakistan as it would not only give the nation a cheap electricity generation option, but would also lower its reliance on imported petroleum and liquefied natural gas. Pakistan spends $8 billion precious foreign exchange on the import of petrol and gas annually and Thar coal reserves are enough to generate 15 giga watts electricity in 10 years. The Thar coal project is an opportunity for the Chinese companies to make healthy profits at a time when China itself is trying to reduce its reliance on coal power.
Pakistan is fully heading towards coal energy as it has limited options in the current situation. However, the government should also look for other resources to fulfill the energy requirements in the coming decades. The best option is the hydel power, but India has been building dams on the rivers flowing through Pakistan in violation of international treaties. The government should start diplomatic offensive to inform the world about the Indian hegemony. Environment is the biggest issue for the country and a study should also be launched to count hazards of coal power plants.
