Power & Alternative Energy Sectors of Pakistan

Electrical Power Generation

The Country’s energy demand had grown at an annual consumption growth rate of 4.8% in the past five years but now it is expected to grow at 8 to 10% per annum till the end of current decade. Therefore, need exists for a high and sustained growth in energy supply and infrastructure capacity of 7 - 8% per annum to support the steady growth in the Country’s GDP. Hydel power being most inexpensive, needs utmost attention.

Power & Alternative Energy Sectors of Pakistan

Pakistan has abundant energy resources, which need to be harnessed through an institutionalized strategy for optimum utilization. The Government has set out an action plan to achieve exploration and maximum utilization of indigenous resources like oil, gas, coal and alternative sources like solar and wind energy etc. Maximum participation of the private sector in this regard is encouraged.

Alternative / Renewable Energy

"Government of Pakistan is putting greater emphasis on Renewable Energy and has set a target of 10% renewable energy or 2700 MW in the Country's energy mix by 2015”. Pakistan, like other developing countries of the region, is facing a serious challenge of energy deficit. Renewable Energy resources can play an important role in bridging this deficit. More importantly, Renewable Energy can take electricity to remote rural areas, where power transmission becomes too expensive. The Government of Pakistan aims that all localities not planned to be connected with national grid in next 20 years, be earmarked for Alternative/ Renewable Energy resources and the solar/ wind energy related technologies be indigenized in next decade through national/ international collaboration.

Hydro Power

The energy of water has been harnessed as early as the antiquity through the water mill. Nowadays, this energy is used in hydroelectric power stations to generate electricity. Its working principle is simple: water drives turbines, which in turn drive alternators. These alternators turn the mechanical energy developed by the turbines into electrical energy. The power of a hydro power plant depends on the quantum and head of water that is available. Hydro energy is a renewable source of energy based on the natural rhythm of water cycle. It generates about 15% of the power generated in Europe. About 80% of all the hydroelectric production of the world is concentrated in four regions: North America, Western Europe, South America and Eastern Asia. The Exhibition will discuss the direct and indirect benefits of hydropower, its synergy with other renewable energies, ways of improving economics through prudent planning and the use of advanced technology for design, construction and refurbishment of our energy potentials.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is the world’s second most important fossil fuel and Natural gas is currently the world’s most important source of energy. The investment associated with gas procurement is projected to increase. Pakistan has signed a multi-billion dollar contract for procuring gas through pipeline from Iran, while another from Turkmenistan is poised to be signed after a bit calm in Afghanistan. As per the EIA (Washington D.C) Reports, natural gas consumption in Middle East only is projected to double by 2025, where the share of energy demand met by natural gas is projected to increase from 39% in 2002 to 45% in 2025, while the share of energy demand met by oil is projected to decline from 53% in 2002 to 48% in 2025. Consumption of natural gas worldwide is projected to increase by almost 70% from 92 to 156 TCF.

Solar Energy

The earth receives an incredible supply of solar energy – the sun provides sufficient energy in one minute to meet the world’s energy demand for a full year. In one day it provides more than our current population would consume in 27 years. Solar energy is the cleanest source in environmental terms. The tapping of solar energy resources economically & commercially has become inevitable with the increasing price of oil.

Power Sector of Pakistan - Key Statistics Total Generation Capacity 19,222 MW Electricity Distribution Network 360,000 Km Sectoral Share of Energy Consumption 34.4% Transportation 34.2 % Industrial 23 % Residential 3.1 % Commercial 2.6 % Agriculture 2.7 % Government Fuel Share Of Energy Consumption 43.8 % Natural Gas 39 % Oil 11 % Hydroelectricity 5.2 % Coal 1 % Nuclear Total Supplies to the Energy Mix 48.12 Million TOE Average Growth in Energy Consumption 4.8 % per annum