KARACHI, Jan 11: Coal-based power is the only solution to the country’s energy and economic woes, and there is a dire need to create awareness among the masses about energy conservation to tackle the crisis at the individual level.

These were two of the suggestions made in a seminar, Viable Options for Water and Energy in Pakistan, organised by Szabist Centre for Information and Research and Sungi Development Foundation.

The participants said Pakistan’s products were not competitive in the international market, because of the high cost of production due to reliance on expensive fuel. Immediate efforts are needed to explore the huge coal reserves, as technologies are available that address the environmental concerns regarding its conversion process and improve the coal quality, they added.

Addressing the gathering, Syed Mohibullah Shah, former federal secretary, said one reason forthe country’s huge deficit and declining exports was the use of costly fuel. Coal, he said, was the cheapest source of energy available in the country, which, unfortunately, had remained unutilised since independence. He cited the examples of US, Australia, China and India which were relying heavily on coal and, consequently, were doing well in the international market.

“The government has to make use of its coal reserves, one of the largest in the world. When India can make use of its poor quality coal by adopting technologies to reduce its sulphur content, why can’t Pakistan?” he asssked

Elaborating on the subject, Dr Javaid Laghari of Szabist said: “Pakistan imports 80 per cent of its oil needs that cost $6.5 billion last year. At the current oil prices, this bill is expected to rise further, whenthe gas reserves deplete in another 20 years. The current power production is 19,500MW and there is shortfall of 2,000MW in the country.”

Frank Scherschmidt, CEO, KESC, supported the use of coal for energy purposes and said the situation was no different in Germany. He said the KESC would also like to opt for this solution, but cannot invest. In his presentation, he also explained the reasons for KESC’s dismal performance and the steps being taken to improve its working.

Other speakers stressed the need for energy conservation and maintained that this strategy could go a long way to combat the problem. Presentations on wind and solar energies potential in the country were also made at the seminar.—By Faiza Ilyas