IT is encouraging to see every Pakistani contributing to the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams fund established with the efforts of chief justice of Pakistan. The amount collected till Oct 12 is Rs4.95 billion. The meagre sum collected for the specified fund is way short of the amount required for the construction coupled with the protracted timeline which is at least five years.

This is not going to overcome the energy crisis which has been on the priority card of governments in the past as well. Pakistan despite enormous energy resources remains deficient in energy requirement and has to rely on heavy imports of oil and LNG.

LNG and RLNG are being imported to reduce dependence on existing depleting gas reserves despite a heavy cost.

It is feared that the power crisis will worsen with the depleting hydrocarbon reserves and with the increase in fuel costs. Adding insult to injury, the Thar coal project also failed to accomplish the desired power generation and is at the brink of closing down.

As an instant short-term immediate measure, renewable energy should be exploited. Alternative energy sources with less tariff rates should be used as being done in Denmark and Germany.

Naturally replenished energy derived from solar, wind, biomass, biogas and solid wastes usage classified as renewable energy sources can best be utilised in our agrarian-based rural areas.

Pakistan has a wide spectrum of high potential renewable energy source. Power plants installed at various places of Balochistan, especially in Gwadar, Chagai and Nokundi districts with high wind speeds are best suited.

In addition, tidal power plants in the coastal belt and revamping the Thar coal reserves will resolve this crisis to a great extent.

Mahmood

Bahawalpur

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2018