Punjab University Centre for Coal Technology (CCT) conducted a Seminar on "Energy Crisis and its Solutions". Director CCT Professor Dr Shahid Munir, former Deputy Managing Director SNGPL Nadeem Shahryar, Additional Secretary Energy Department Khalid Awais Ranjha, CEO Sindh Engro Coal Mining Co Shams-ud-Din Sheikh, former Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation Dr Farid Malik and DG PCSIR Laboratories Lahore Dr Shahzad Alam presented their expert ideas regarding the solution of Energy Crisis.
Professor Dr Shahid Munir presented a critical review of Thar Coal underground gasification project and declares it unfeasible from technical and economical points of view. He emphasised on the open-pit mining of Thar Coal for better utilisation. He further stated that through proper resource management, 100,000MW electricity can be generated for 500 years.
Other speakers also emphasised the open-pit mining of the Thar Coal, so that it can be utilised through already proven technologies. While underground coal gasification can be continued on experimental basis. He said that there is a dire need to redesign the energy mix of Pakistan. He suggested that 67 percent share of oil and gas to generate electricity should be shifted to coal power generation.
Dr Shahzad Alam emphasised on the energy conservation to cope with the energy crisis. Shams-ud-Din Sheikh and Dr Farid Malik stressed the need for coal mining so that foreign direct investment may be brought in. The participants demanded of the government to take necessary action to expedite the mining process in Thar.
The Seminar was concluded with a note to redesign the energy mix of Pakistan. The consensus was developed that 60 percent of the electricity should be generated from coal, 30 percent from hydro and 10 percent from renewable. PU Registrar Professor Dr Rass Masood Khan, energy experts, faculty members and a large number of students were also attended the Seminar.
Comments
Comments are closed.