Challenges in Managing Energy Security of...
Transcript of Challenges in Managing Energy Security of...
Challenges in Managing Energy Security of
Pakistan
Under The Supervision of
Dr. Iram Khalid
Submitted by
Unza Nayyab
M Phil International Relations
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
Abstract
Energy shortage in Pakistan is one of the major hurdles in economic and social
developments of the states. Due to the short sighted political leadership and very
less establishment of power projects have led the state to huge power shortage
which is not acceptable in this era of economic development and globalized world.
The government needs to establish new projects, strong institutions, Experts‟ think
tanks and involvements of academics to end the energy crisis in Pakistan. Through
these means new power projects can be constructed which will lead to a strong and
prosper Pakistan. The energy sector has been most neglected sector by all the
governments of Pakistan especially after the era of 1960s. Since then no new major
energy production project has been started by both military and civil governments
in Pakistan. The proper management through internal and external measures will
help the state to overcome this energy shortage on long term bases.
Conceptual Framework
Energy has many forms and is an invaluable asset to a country, having far-reaching
effects on its economy, basic infrastructure, trade, and its political wellbeing. It
ranges from thermal sources which include oil, natural gas and fossil fuels like coal
to hydel power and nuclear resources, moreover the potentially more viable ones
such as geo-thermal, wind and solar power. These all are indeed of essential value
for any nation because the energy resources play a central role in the economy of
that state and if economy is strengthened, it ultimately marks the state as self-
sufficient and relatively stronger in world affairs. So securing energy assets is one
of the major priorities to a state in order to maximize her industrial and political
outcomes and to raise her influence in the world (BP Review, 2010). The reason
behind this is that a sufficient amount of well-guarded energy resources is
imperative. So as to keep industries running at optimum capacity and to gain
higher production rate in all industrial affairs which invariably leads to a much
more stable economy. However it is not a matter of access of energy resources and
plain utilization of those resources, as for a state to be a prosperous one it takes
quite more than just that. The actual point is that how effectively a state is using its
energy reservoirs. Economy of any state is directly dependent upon energy supply.
If a state fails in getting the required amount of energy, it has a wide range of
negative impacts that reach far beyond only the economic aspects of the country.
In the world as it is today, energy security is amongst the top agendas of just about
every nation, having a direct effect on a state‟s policy making regarding even
National Security .However it is not a matter of access of energy resources and
plain utilization of those resource, as for a state to be a prosperous one it takes
quite more than just that. The actual point is that how effectively a state is using its
energy reservoirs. (Statistical Review, 2009) The term “energy security” ,
however, has not been clearly defined and different authors have different
standpoints in this regard. Jessica Jewell mentioned the meaning of energy
security.
Definitions of Energy Security
” Energy security is defined as „low vulnerability of vital energy systems “
http://www.iea.org/topics/energysecurity/
A compelling case can then be made about how this uninterrupted and secure
supply of energy and well-maintained reservoirs for future prospects are found to
be somewhat concerning when it comes to our own country, there exists a complex
web of concerns amongst our relative agencies and departments which is now
being vocally addressed as well. A compelling case can then be made about how
this uninterrupted and secure supply of energy and well-maintained reservoirs for
future prospects are found to be somewhat concerning when it comes to our own
country, there exists a complex web of concerns amongst our relative agencies and
departments which is now being vocally addressed as well .This research will
focus on the following research questions.
Research Questions
1-what is the current standard of energy security in Pakistan in accordance with the
global standards?
2- What are the risks posed to the energy security of Pakistan in changing world
scenario?
3- How can Pakistan step up to manage those energy security risks?
Objectives of the research:
To elaborate the fact that energy security management should be top priority
for Pakistan.
To shed light on the imminent and foreseeable threats to Pakistan.
To evaluate the efforts and policies in place being made towards securing
current energy assets and exploring new feasible resources.
Literature Review:
Dr. Abdul Latif in his book entitled “The implementation of energy policy in
Pakistan” is of the view that Pakistan has tried to set up her energy policy from the
very beginning in order to depend less upon imported energy. He very
intellectually examined the major initiatives in Pakistan energy policy and
explored new dynamics. He mentioned that the nuclear power is yet not effectively
used in Pakistan because there are some very wrong assumptions about the
technology transfer, geo political environment and implementer‟s technical
competency and all these factors affect the implementation of nuclear energy
policy. He said that the Kalabagh dam project is still controversial because energy
bureaucracy adopted wrong strategy at wrong time by involving affected interests
when project was in stage of formulation.
The book titled “Pakistan‟s Energy Development: The Road Ahead” by Akhtar Ali
discusses about the technological and strategic energy efficiencies and capabilities
of Pakistan. The author gives a detailed outlook of the gap between supply and
demand in Pakistan. The main focus of the book revolves around the performance
of IPPs and rental power plants as they have the capability to fill the gap but still
there is shortage of electricity in shape of regular load shedding in Pakistan. The
author asked the questions about the efficiency of these IPPs and presents the
suggestions to resolve the issue of load shedding by making these rental plants
resourceful.
The report by Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) under the title of
“Solution of Energy Crisis in Pakistan” gives an overview of the energy capacity
of Pakistan. The report further gives the different prospects, resources and
capabilities of Pakistan‟s energy sector. The piece then discusses about the
different present resources and their importance for Pakistan‟s energy needs. The
resources discussed in this report are Bio-Energy, Nuclear energy, solar energy,
Hydel Power and Coal power present in the country. The institute has given
complete detail of these resources and gives a structure in which they can be
utilized to end the load shedding.
The research article titled “Pakistan‟s Energy Sector Issues: Energy Efficiency and
Energy Environmental Links” by Tariq Husain discuss about the present energy
resources in Pakistan and their production and utilizing capabilities with the
environmental issues. The paper further gives and outlook of energy resources and
their usage through the external costs as the reports by European Union and UN
has stated that with the use of external cost, Pakistan can utilize these resources
including nuclear, Hydel, coal, bio gas and solar power and end the energy crisis in
the state.
The research article by Hassan Sheikh Power Management System Using
Renewable Resources for Rural Area discusses the different aspects of production
of the energy resources especially for rural areas. Pakistan has the majority of
population with 63% in the rural areas and they are the back bone of state‟s
economy because of their agricultural products which not only use for feeding the
population but also earn the major share of the state‟s economy through the
exports. Henceforth these areas need new energy resources to run their economical
circle efficiently. The paper gives different suggestions for the production of the
energy resources in the areas ranged from Hydel power to the solar energy.
Energy Security in Pakistan: Historical Perspective
“Let us mobilize all our resources in a systematic and organized way and tackle
the grave issues that confront us with grim determination and discipline worthy of
a great nation.” (Quaid-e-Azam).
Initial Years of Independence
At the time of independence, Pakistan‟s economy was very week to begin with,
and the fact that most of the resources were still untapped didn‟t seem to help
much. There were only 34 industries which came in share of Pakistan‟s
government. In addition, Natural gas was yet to be discovered. In result coal was
all the country relied on at the time and it wasn‟t in abundance either. We can then
almost see a road being paved for the energy crisis that we are confronted with
today. Pakistan was facing water crisis with India. Renala Khurd Power plant,
operational since 1925 and just had capacity of 1.1 MW was working.
http://wajahateducation.blogspot.com/p/essay-energy-crisis-inpakistan-outline-
1.html
By December of 1947 an assessment was made as to tackle and better manage the
power need of what was then essentially an infant state at the time. From that time
on for a decade, The fuel policy of the nation was primarily focused on utilizing
the available oil fields and coal mines in order to increase production of oil and
maximizing the exploration rate of fossil fuels. A turning point then came at the
time of the discovery of natural Gas at Sui in Baluchistan, this opened new doors
for future development in the power sector, exclusively for fuel exploration and the
need to secure energy. However while several policies were being developed, a
well rounded policy on the rate of utilizing untapped gas and coal, on setting prices
for the market, and on the area and purpose of the usage of these resources was
absent till the end of 1955. In the year 1960s, the civil and industrial framework for
energy production was devised mainly by the military. Military used financial
support provided by many countries by keeping in view international fiscal and
economic policies (Zaheer, 2010)
Era of 1970s-1980s
At that time the energy is produced mainly by hydroelectric dams and power
plants. In the year 1970 power consumption in Pakistan increased significantly
which also diverted us in the direction of nuclear power as an energy source with
the establishment of the first nuclear power plant in Karachi. The army continued
the engineering and construction of nuclear power infrastructure (Zaheer, 2010)
The 1990s Decade
In 1994 the prime minister of that time, Benazir Bhutto brought out first program
of conservation of energy in our country to generate 13,000MW and letters of
intent for independent power producers which was one of the most important shift
in diverse energy sources in Pakistan. Despite of the fact that Pakistan‟s coal
reserves have more energy potential than the combined energy potential of the
resources of both Saudi Arabia and Iran and stands at 6th
position having largest
coal reserves in the world. But Pakistan in past failed to explore those resources
due to many factors in Past. (Tipo, 2008).To secure energy resources and to
develop and explore them, the Federal government of Pakistan is responsible,
according to constitution of Pakistan. The federal government is also responsible
for the matters related to mineral oil, minerals required to generate nuclear energy
and natural gas. However matters related to the development of coal and other
minerals are responsibility of provincial government.
Analysis of Energy Crisis and Security in Pakistan
According to international energy agency energy security can be defined as “the
uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price”. Each country
has now placed energy security as crucial to its economic and overall wellbeing.
Considering the changes in international environment at this point which is volatile
to say the least, the issue of energy security is gaining an immense amount value
with each passing day. It is therefore a safe assumption that the future of the world
belongs to those states that succeed in well maintaining the level of their energy
security as it is the utmost requirement for future economic growth and without a
thriving economy, it will be nearly impossible for any country to establish itself as
a leading nation and to safeguard its sovereignty. The world economy has been
relying on oil as a vital element for over a hundred years (Kazmi, 2013)
Oil is directly responsible for about 2.5% of world GDP, supply.. In 2014, oil has
been responsible for providing up to 38% of the energy needs of the planet, and in
the future and it is expected that oil to continue to provide a major component of
the world energy matrix. Developing economies worldwide are based on greater
use of coal for electricity generation and steel production. China, the fastest
growing economy in the world, consumes more coal can be extracted and depends
on imports by sea to improve service. India also has a rapidly growing economy,
and relies on coal imported by sea to support their claims to increase energy.
According to a report published in USA, „Most renewable energy investments are
spent on materials and workmanship to build and maintain the facilities, rather than
on costly energy imports. Renewable energy investments are usually spent within
the United States, frequently in the same state, and often in the same town.
This means your energy dollars stay home to create jobs and fuel local economies,
rather than going overseas”. It shows that renewable energy sources are important
for the local economy of any state and it helps in strengthening the economy. So
exploring new energy assets, maintained of already existed energy resources and
making sure the availability of enough energy reservoirs is very important for the
economy of states, and so it indirectly has high importance for the survival of state.
So energy security should be top most agenda in Pakistan (Shah, 2011)
Pakistan’s Energy Resources
Hydel Power
Pakistan's energy resources currently consist of natural gas, coal, oil, hydropower,
nuclear power and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). According to a report published
by energy foundation Pakistan, hydropower resources in Pakistan are estimated at
more than 60,000 MW. However, the total hydropower generated at present
Pakistan is 6773 MW, representing approximately 31% of total electricity
production in the Pakistan (Bloomberg Business week, 2010)
Natural Gas Capability
Natural gas is produced in all provinces of Pakistan. Total reserves of gas available
are estimated at about 25 trillion cubic feet. The average natural gas production in
2013 was about 1.5 trillion cubic feet. Natural gas is used in electricity generation,
fertilizer production, transport, as fuel in cement production and in industry in
general and for the operation of the plants home weatherization, government,
public buildings and commercial and hot water and household cooking. Pakistan
has coal reserves estimated at over 185 billion tons, 175 million tons of coal
deposits are present in the area of Thar in Sindh province. Thar lignite is of low
quality and poses many problems for mining; therefore, they could not field
development since its discovery in 1980 (Rizi, 2001)
Coal Reservoirs in Pakistan
The coal deposits present in other parts of Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab and KPK
provinces are lignite and sub-bituminous types have long been exploited. Nearly
90% of coal in the country is used by the brick kilns and 10% for energy
production. Most of the coal used in the cement industry is imported from different
countries. The proportion of domestic coal in power generation is less than two
percent. Pakistan is producing crude oil since 1915. Crude oil currently available
reserves are estimated at 371 million barrels which are present mainly in Sindh,
Punjab and KP provinces (Rizvi, 2001)
The Resource of Crude Oil
Crude oil production average in 2013 was 76200 barrels day. The domestic oil
production only meets 20% of demand in the country. To bridge the gap between
supply and demand, crude oil, fuel oil, diesel oil and gasoline / petrol is imported
from the Middle East countries.
Nuclear Power Plants
Three nuclear power plants are working in Pakistan now days. Karachi nuclear
power plant with a capacity of 137 MW was installed in 1971 with Canadian
technical assistance. The Chashma nuclear power plants have been established
with the technical support from China in the year 2000.Two plants were
established with a capacity of 325 MW each plant. Pakistan Atomic Energy
Commission plans to increase the capacity of nuclear energy of 8800 MW by
2030. The current share of nuclear power in total generation capacity of Pakistan is
2.3%.
LGP and Energy Production
LPG is environmentally friendly and fuel economic fossils. LPG is about 0.5% of
the total energy supply in Pakistan. LPG is supplied in bottles in remote areas
where the natural gas network is not available, provides nearly 20% of LPG met
through imports. If we compared the Pakistan‟s capacity of energy generation with
the rest of the world then the situation is not very satisfactory. Pakistan is ranked
35th in the world in annual electricity production measured which is 94.65 billion
kilowatt/hour.
Energy Management in Pakistan: Challenges and Barriers
As Pakistan is facing electricity deficit, so it ultimately has 0% export and ranked
182th in the world. An interesting situation is that Pakistan‟s electricity import is
also nil and she ranked 186th
among other nations, ass per data estimated in 2012,
and published by CIA fact book in 2015. Few challenges which act as hurdle in
Pakistan electricity imports from central Asian states are that electricity can be
imported into the summer, the internal problems between the upstream countries
(Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) and downstream countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
and Turkmenistan) on the construction of dams and water flow huge transmission
line investment of over $ 2 billion and the Chinese factor. A plan to import up to
4,000 megawatts of electricity from the other side of the eastern border of Pakistan
to overcome the energy deficit has stagnated due to growing extremist sentiments
in India during Narendra Modi‟s rule. Pakistan‟s crude oil production is 61,660
bbl/day, and Pakistan is at 58th number in the world. Refined petroleum production
in Pakistan is 210,100 bbl/day and its is not better that crude oil production and
Pakistan ranked 52 among other nations of the world. With production of 39.15
billion cu m natural gas , Pakistan is at number 23rd
in the world. So in terms of
energy production Pakistan is in worst situation when compared to the rest of the
world (Tariq, 2010)
Challenges to Economic Growth and Energy Shortage of Pakistan
Sui Gas and Issue of Balochistan Instability
Energy is vital for sustained economic growth and development element, energy
consumption is used as a key indicator of people's living standards. Because of
technological and industrial development, energy demand in Pakistan is increased
in recent years. Pakistan is fulfilling 80% of its resources through imports although
there are a variety of minerals, metals, and coal mines resources in Pakistan. With
the decline in energy production and the lack of availability of required energy
resources, industries will face difficulties in the future; Therefore, it is important
that the energy requirements must be followed to reduce energy shortages and
rescue industries facing any crisis. Baluchistan‟s geo-strategic location also makes
it an important nexus in transnational supply of gas to and from Pakistan. Sui gas
field is a natural gas field in Pakistan and it is declared largest in Baluchistan.
Sui gas field accounts for 26% of gas production in Pakistan. The remaining
reserves are estimated at about 800 million cubic feet (TCF) and the daily output is
about 660 million cubic feet (19 million m3) of natural gas. Apart of terrorism,
now Pakistan is also a victim one but not very strong, but this secessionist
movement. Baloch nationalist militant secessionist movement led by some leaders
of Balochistan in order to establish independent Balochistan has been the major
issue for Pakistan government. This and some other militants attack gas fields
passing from Balochistan, This issue is a indirect threat to the energy security of
Pakistan. Not only it affects gas, supply in the country but it can also affect
foreign investment. There are total 230 attacks on gaspipelines in Balochistan since
last 10 years. These nationalist movements are need to be tackled wisely as they
can be fear to the two important international pipeline projects of future , IP and
TAPI passing from Balochistan. Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited has 4.7 million
domestic consumers, commercial, industrial and CNG that fed through a common
distribution network. In an average grade each year, the demand for gas increases
from 40 meters to 50 million cubic feet per day (GFCM) during the summer and 80
to 100 million cubic feet during winters. there is no considerable increase in the
input of small fields due to depletion major gas fields supplying gas to SNGPL
system. Excluding domestic and commercial sectors, this gap is filled by the
restriction of gas supply to other sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture
and CNG gas leads to unexpected Load Shedding in Pakistan (Upstream, 2010)
Hydel Power and Issue of Kalabagh Dam
There is not a single large dam has been construct in Pakistan since 1972, while
India was producing 86,000 megawatts of electricity. Kalabagh, Bhasha and Dasu
dams are delayed by many factors. Hydel power‟s future in Pakistan is threatening
in Pakistan and if immediately any big project would not be completed, it will bet
fatal. Kalabagh dam ,if completed, it will have an installed capacity of 2400 MW
and 3600 MW. Water and Power Development Authority Pakistan believes that the
electricity produced annually in Kalabagh will be 20 million oil equivalent barrels
of fuel that would otherwise be required to produce thermal power. Tarbela other
energy infrastructure and has begun to show their age and the repairs are not made
successfully. Poor maintenance led to leaks and opposing the Kalabagh dam losses.
While other Mainly Sindh and KPK have concerns regarding this project, mainly
due to trust deficit problems. The project is not only considered unnecessary over
there, but there is a debate on the serious environmental impacts and the rights of
this building dam. KPK opposed Kalabagh Because it will lead to the displacement
of large numbers of people .In addition, it is believed that Nowshera city home
2000.000 people can get seriously threatened by flooding because it is located on
the Kabul River. Secondly to comment, desertification be a major problem in
Sindh who constantly felt threatened to Punjab and refuse to trust the entire
province. In their view waters of the Indus River, in case of construction of
Kalabagh dam project, will be just remain fulfilling the demands of Punjab (Ali,
2010)
These fears are based on past experience of the operation of Taunsa-Punjnad and
Chashma-Jehlum canal. In the national debate, it is necessary to address the
concerns of Sindh and KPK based on scientific studies of the project. Pakistan a
few years ago used to get half of its electricity from the remaining Hydel and
thermal energy production. However, there is a limit to the extent of the
exploitation of hydropower resources and power plants due to environmental and
other concerns. Terms of overcoming the energy crisis are manifold. To meet the
challenge, it is urgent to go to alternative energy sources. Some people suggest that
the gas in coal conversion processes in the basement of the product can be a good
source of alternative energy. Technically this process is called as underground coal
classification. Through this underground coal deposit is treated with controlled
fire. Gradually, coal is converted into gas.
Thar Coal Reservoirs and Extracting Capability of Pakistan
There are the biggest coal reserves in Thar in Pakistan., plans to exploit coal
resources in Pakistan through some systematic approach, taken no success so far.
Any initiative to develop and exploit the coal resources of Pakistan, in the absence
of an overall strategic plan is doomed to failure. There are many political and
economic issues related to nuclear energy on the old security plan Pakistan.
Nuclear Capability
Planning Commission energy projects 8,000 MW of nuclear capacity installed by
the status of nuclear weapons has not been raised in 2030.Pakistan politically.
Questions concerns and fully accepted from any terrorist attack against nuclear
installations and seize nuclear weapons and therefore somehow fundamentals
denuclearize Pakistan. Having many nuclear power plants are created can make
vulnerable Pakistan political pressure and non- proliferation.
Management of Energy Security crisis in Pakistan:
Before anything else Pakistan requires substantial investments in power generation
and related Infrastructure. However, plans to be implemented would have to be in
correspondence to the dynamics of energy management and security in the current
world, which should have a direct positive impact on supply and price.
Furthermore, not only is Pakistan is an inefficient electricity producer, but to our
misfortune is also a rather inadequate country in its utilization of energy when it
comes to maximizing productivity. In order to accomplish this seemingly gigantic
task, that is managing energy security risks, it is monumental to understand the
whole mechanics of technological innovation, which shall then lead us towards
coping with the increase in the world's energy prices with all its fluctuations and
complications and then to its effects on our own policies regarding the addressed
issue.
The holy grail of all purposed management solutions and suggestions is however,
“the research into renewable sources of energy” such as solar and wind power
which although are not expected to provide significant relief and must be seen as
supplement "because they are available 24/7 and are expensive anyway, this
however should not deter us into investing in using and developing a system to
make them feasible as they have critical potential in the face of our unreasonable
reliance on the already depleting coal and oil, and hydel power which has political
interferences in addition to the lack of dam projects that have been delayed time
and time again.
So I find that while regional energy networks carry a certain appeal, Pakistan failed
to capitalize on these effectively owing to its political defects and limitations and
lack of preparation towards the gas pipelines.
Private Power Generating Plants
Pakistan has been generating the energy and electricity from the Private plants or
IPPs since the government of Benazir Bhutto in 1990s. These private sectors and
companies are given the major share of energy production in Pakistan. The plants
imported from different states like UAE, Turkey and other Middle Eastern states
are producing and supplying the energy according to needs of Pakistan. The
management issues came as hurdle when the payment to these sectors are halted or
delayed by the governments. In the result the production is reduced and the gap
between demand and supply increased resulted in major breakouts across the
country. Pakistan needs to establish a proper infrastructure to deal with these
power producing entities. Through proper management and regular payments can
led to the decrease in power shortage and load shedding.
http://www.ntdc.com.pk/CurrentProjects.php
Hydel Power Capabilities
Pakistan has one of the biggest and structured canal systems in the world. These
Hydel capabilities have been utilized by the state through construction of major
dams like Mangla and Tarbela. Along with that numerous small dams and barrages
have been established for the energy production but the management crisis and no
new Hydel construction has led to the power shortage in Pakistan. The lack of
understanding among the provinces of Pakistan and self interests of political
leadership has refrained Pakistan to construct new dams and utilize the Hydel
power for energy generation. The political leadership understanding and decisions
for benefits of masses need to be established for the future of Pakistan.
Solar Power Production
Solar Energy is considered to be the cheapest in electricity production means.
Pakistan holds the vital environmental advantages for the production of solar
power plants. The areas of Southern Pakistan like South Punjab, Sindh and
numbers of areas of Balochistan can be utilized for this method. A solar power
plant has been established by current government in Bahawalpur but there is an
urgent need of construction of this kind of plants across the country.
http://www.pakssolarpower.com/projects.html
Institutional Management in Pakistan
The institutions and their lack of understanding, professionalism and proper
infrastructure can help Pakistan immensely for the energy production. The
corrupted and short sighted political leadership bureaucratic establishment is the
major reasons for the electricity shortage in the country. With strong institutions
and regular check and balance will most certainly make the country‟s energy
production better and efficient. The strong institutions will play a key role in
managing the energy shortage and further production of energy means.
Think Tanks and Academic Involvement
Pakistan government needs to establish the think tanks for studies and
establishments of new energy resources. A body based on experts of energy,
electricity and other energy resources will certainly help in evaluating the energy
capabilities of the state. Furthermore the involvement of academics which are the
authorities on the subject need to be taken in the loop by governments for
generating the expert opinion and methods for dealing with the energy shortage in
Pakistan.
Summary:
Management of energy resources is undoubtedly one of the major issues being
raised in the current world scenario. More importantly however, it is a matter that
warrants Pakistan‟s urgent attention. In essence, the effects of poor energy security
management are catastrophic to every pressure point of Pakistan such as economy,
infrastructure, political status and the technological development, which is why I
have argued for it to be made a top priority for this country . Recent years and
months have seen increasing attention being paid to the issue of energy security all
around the Globe. There are a various concerns and fears behind this such as the
rapid consumption of oil and other fossil fuels like peak oil and coal. Studies have
been indicating for years that a worldwide depletion of these resources is nothing
but inevitable at this rate .Pakistan, now more than ever needs to shift its priorities
and focus on energy security not only to protect and secure its industrial and
economical wellbeing but to maintain toe-to-toe with leading nations. Whilst we
keep relying on primary modes of resources such as Oil, Coal, Hydro-electric
power, sources which all statics indicate are depleting at an ever so rapid rate.
Owing to the substantially poor state of our energy conservation programs and
sloppy policy making procedures I doubt that the future holds any promises for
Pakistan‟s Energy security to hold up to its supposed role which is keeping the
modern economy up and running and fend us any vulnerabilities pertaining to
National Security. Thus legging far behind in this age of conflicts over power
resources, propelling wars and tension all around the world, Pakistan needs to stop
crawling and start running towards renewable energy resources and cheap power
plans, which would require us to free ourselves from the chains of debt, political
notoriety, and corrupt contractors.
Findings
Energy is the basic source of economic progress of any state of the world
whereas Pakistan is lacking behind in the field immensely
Due to the shortsightedness of political and military rulers the mega power
projects has not been established in Pakistan since 1960s
Lack of experts and proper structure has led to the major power shortcoming
in Pakistan
The governments have only work on the projects which are short termed and
mainly self-interested
The lack of harmony among the provinces of Pakistan has become the major
reason of no new power project establishment in the country
Lack of understanding at social level regarding energy security and
management is one of the major reasons of the energy crisis in Pakistan
The role of academic is very less in the study of management of energy
security in Pakistan
Suggestions
Solar energy one of the most obviously feasible energy resource on planet
and carries tremendous amount of potential of Pakistan.
Fortunately Pakistan receives high levels of solar radiation all year round.
Solar energy is at our disposal at a rate of 1,000 watts per square meter. It
can be converted to electricity with the help of photovoltaic cells that could
be used to cater to most industrial and domestic needs directly during
daytime.
The energy conserved during the day can then be put to use at night using
specific cells to power all sorts of appliances on a domestic level which will
serve to relieve some pressure off of our current hydro-electric plants.
The exiting prospect of optimizing and regulating our use of solar power is
that this can open doors to establishing a market that will attract business
investments if the government devices favorable policies to interest investors
in further progress of projects regarding harnessing solar
energy.(Noor,2011).
Geothermal energy is the heat from the Earth. It's clean and sustainable.
Geothermal energy is now currently being looked at as one of the most
sophisticated and eco-friendly sources of energy.. Luckily, Pakistan
possesses ample potential concerning geothermal energy and technically can
utilize as an alternate source, given that we are economically equipped for
such investment. Geothermal reservoirs were detected and identified ages
ago in the northern areas of Pakistan; however any subsequent efforts
towards tapping these reservoirs are practically non-existent.
Biogas typically refers to a mixture of different gases produced by the
breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Pakistan typically is
a nation that can be said to have just about most of its population as rural.
Given the enormous count of animals which provide about 652 million kg of
manure daily from cattle and buffalo this alone is more than enough to
produce as much as 16.3 million m3 biogas per day and 21 million tons of
bio fertilizer per year. Installing biogas plants in order to adequately tackle
our energy crisis may not then be such a bad idea. Especially, as they require
a small sum in comparison to coal or hydel sources in order to be viable
sources of energy. Large investments are certainly not an object in this case.
So, it is safe to say that a national policy to facilitate farmers in this regard is
in need.
Conclusion:
My Idea of the management of energy security in Pakistan in the current world
scenario along with the evaluation of the provided facts and opinions is one that
admittedly consists of sheer concern regarding the ghastly challenges that we are
up against. Knowing that the world is at war out of terror of the inevitable
depletion of fossil fuels and traditional modes of energy resources, I find myself
appalled at the utter disregard of Pakistan towards channeling its resources in
exploring new more feasible ways to conserve and in turn secure its energy assets.
Which can be accomplished by switching our priorities towards finding out ways
to harness renewable ,cleaner, readily available, and in the long run much more
sustainable and cheaper. As faulted as our political system maybe, we can no
longer stand to be blind to our energy security concerns that are being lost in the
echoes of our constant state of turmoil over terrorism and various stigmas
surrounding our system. Nevertheless; I see hope in the fact that this issue is now
being more vocally addressed than ever and in that new horizons opening wide in
shape of pending projects and collaborations en route with other countries that
share the same concerns as ours. Efforts are indeed being made towards creating a
more stable supply of energy, and it is now only a matter of time till we see a fine
change in pace towards managing our energy security.
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