LAHORE: The Punjab government is focusing on alternative energy resources, said Punjab Mines & Minerals Minister Sher Ali Khan, while addressing a conference on ‘Economical Fuels for Power Plants in Industries’ at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The minister said that government was spending huge funds and resources for promotion of alternate energy resources.
Sher Ali Khan said the Punjab government was restructuring the mining sector as lack of modern technology was coming in the way of fully exploitation of coal mining. He urged the private sector to come forward and invest in the mining sector that would be a great service to the country.
While, LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder stressed the need for using our knowledge for power generation to get rid of the energy crisis. “Mobilization of local resources is key to success therefore Pakistan should also avail full benefit from its indigenous resources for power generation like coal, solar, wind and hydel.”
He said there was a dire need to shift to alternative energy resources as conventional resources have not only failed to fulfil the rising energy demand but also one of the biggest reasons of trade deficit.
Dependence on thermal resources could cause huge damage to the economy if an oil price rises again in the international market, he said, adding that shift to alternative energy sources would bring down import bill and balance the current account.
He said that Pakistan had vast coal reserves that could be used for power generation, asserting that modern technology has made possible to use all types of coal for power generation, therefore, urgent measures in this regard are need of the hour.
Almas Hyder said, “It is high time to adopt alternative energy solutions to address the shortage of energy in our country. Solar and wind energy are the best options but their high cost factor is hindering most of us.”
LCCI Vice President Nasir Saeed said that Pakistan can produce over 100,000 MW electricity through solar, wind and coal means, while, bio energy is a adaptable source that can be used to overcome electricity challenge, besides making a considerable contribution to climate change phenomenon. He said that biomass energy has the potential convert a wide variety of wastes into clean energy.
LCCI Standing Committee Convener Mian Fazal Ahmad said that keeping in view the rising energy demand, it is highly imperative to use cheaper fuels and indigenous coal for long term benefits to national economy.
With total estimated coal reserves of over 185 billion tons, Pakistan ranks sixth among coal-rich countries yet coal potential has not been exploited adequately. He said that industry should be facilitated through small power generation power plants from alternative energy resources. He called for legislation in this regard.
Other experts were of the view that that bio energy could play a very vital role in production of carbon-neutral fuels of high quality. It can address many environmental issues, especially global warming and greenhouse gases emissions, and foster sustainable development among poor communities.
Biomass fuel sources are readily available in rural and urban areas of all countries. They said that everyone is aware of the present challenges to country’s economy because of severe energy crisis. They said that it is indeed a matter of concern for us that our gas reserves are depleting with the passage of time. Be it domestic or industrial users all have to face shortage of gas in winter season.
Even the generation of electricity through gas has to put on halt in this period that further aggravates the situation. LCCI Executive Committee Members Mian Abdul Razzaq and Mian Zahid Javed Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
