KESC - taking another leap

Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) has moved one step ahead yet again and that too in the cleaner direction. With energy situation on the fritz, the power companys plan to venture into power generation through biomass is surely something that would add to the trifle alternative energy capacity in the country.
Where some alternate energy resources like solar and wind power have become the agenda for the talking heads time and again, the potential of biomass has been downplayed despite the agrarian nature of the economy. Thus the joint pact between KESC, Aman Foundation and International Finance Cooperation (IFC) is one of a kind.
Firstly, the three would be equity partners in the Landhi Cattle waste-to-energy project. Besides the financing role, IFC as per its strategy in Pakistan will offer support in expanding power supply in the country. With Aman Foundation as the sponsor, IFC will also have an advisory role for the biogas plant.
Secondly, the project is the first renewable attempt where the cattle and organic waste would be used on a larger scale. The $80 million project with an installed capacity of 30MW will not only produce electricity through the conversion of 4,200 tons per day of cattle waste from the Landhi Cattle Colony, but also a 700 tons per day of organic food waste from around the metropolis to biogas.
Thirdly, the remaining organic content will be processed into 100,000 tons per annum of organic fertilizer.
Yet, there is a long road ahead. "Such ventures require a wide array of steps like local bodies support and waste management system in place," suggested Salman Tariq, Manager Planning and Strategy at Aman Foundation. Talking to BR Research, Tariq asserted the support from all stakeholders, be it the Landhi Cattle Colony residents or the government, will be the key for such projects.
In sharp contrast to domestic situation, the world is benefitting from this renewable resource that provides stable source of energy unlike other sources that are dependent on daylight and weather. A recent study by Bain & Company, a global management consulting company, shows that global demand for biomass will grow at an average rate of nine percent till 2020, and that this resource is cheaper than wind and solar energy.
The policy front has been shoddier in the past. However, now that the government has shown some seriousness in moving ahead with coal, small renewable green projects might not only light towns and villages, but also be some sort of a breather for the environment.

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Comparison of generation types

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CRITERIA                   BIOMASS                   COAL                            WIND

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CO2 emissions             Close to 0                 0.9                  0, but requires

 (t/MWh)                                                                       gas backup

Average generation         90 €/MWh                60 €/MWh                     105 €/MWh

costs (LCOE)*        (Eq to Rs11.61/KWh)**   (Eq to Rs7.74/KWh) **  (Eq to Rs13.54/KWh)**

Average load factor          80%                     80%                          20%-40%

Long-term

availability                Medium                  Medium                           High

Public acceptance     Renewable source-       Nonrenewable with         Renewable source-

                     Low impact on scenery      high emissions                High impact

Value-added                                                                    on scenery

captured                                      Depends on country

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