Renewable resources must to counter energy crisis

LAHORE - Tapping of renewable energy resources of wind, solar and bio-fuels is necessary to resolve the prevailing energy crisis and reduce the growing trade deficit.
Environment Protection Department Additional Secretary Dr Zafar Abdullah stated this while speaking at a seminar on 'Clean Energy for Safe Environment and Sustainable Development' here at a local hotel on Wednesday. EPD Director General Dr Shagufta Shahjehan chaired the seminar.
Dr Zafar said that renewable energy resources were cost efficient and environment friendly. He said that only technology was needed to tap these resources available in abundance.
Former NESPAK General Manager Sabir Ali Bhatti said that power shortage was resulting in economic loss of 3 billion dollars per annum. The country was facing power shortage of over 4,000 MWs whereas it could generate 10,000 MW from coal alone. China was generating 80 per cent of power required by it from coal but Pakistan was yet to acquire the technology.  
He said that Pakistan was not utilising its hydel power potential also. Water flowing from Tarbela Dam can be easily stored by building a dam at Kalabagh. Wapda was forced to purchase thermal power from private companies at much higher rates on the pressure of international financial institutions. He said that Indus River System alone had hydle power potential of 35,000 MWs but the country was facing a shortage of 4,000 MW. Wapda was losing Rs 52 billion per annum by purchasing fuel at the rate of Rs 35,000 per ton and supplying it to the IPPs at the rate of Rs 5,000 per ton under a forced agreement.