Energy crises and solutions

Energy consumption is one of the parameters for measuring the prosperity of a country. Energy situation of Pakistan has been critical for the last few years as the reserves of natural resources of energy are depleting at a very fast rate, resulting in the current energy crises and load shedding, badly affecting industrial and agricultural growth. Based on the observations and experience, energy resources of the country have been discussed, emphasising on the utilisation of indigenous resources, particularly, coal and hydel resources for minimising dependence on imported energy. Research and development work, carried out in the country on various fuels, has been discussed. Among them coal briquetting, coal carbonization (coking) of Sharigh coal, extraction of chemicals and desulphurisation of Pakistani lignites have been discussed. Studies on alternate/renewable and non-conventional sources of energy have also been presented with special reference to bio-gas, solar and wind energies, etc. (author)