Renowned scientist Dr Samar Mubarakmand said that fifty percent coal-fired power generation works has already been done, while the rest would be completed within two months. With the completion of this project, the nation would get cheap and sufficient power supply thus resolving the current pestering energy crisis.
Addressing a seminar under the aegis of IEEEP here, coal-fired power generation project's Chief Dr Samar Mubarakmand made this disclosure. A good number of leading power experts and economists also spoke on the occasion. Dr Samar Mubarakmand said the coal gasification project would be completed in two months, ultimately putting the coal on fire to generate electricity. He said 50 percent work on the project has completed, which means drilling and other infrastructure.
According to him, it is for the first time in Pakistan that the coal gasification is being launched on commercial basis and abundant and cheap electricity would be available if it gets through. The issue of power shortfall would be resolved accordingly, he said, adding: An economic growth of 8 to 10 would be ensured.
He said the coal gasification was already producing 50000MW around the world, as the cost of electricity per unit is relatively low. He said the four continents in the world are working on this project, as this method has enhanced energy efficiency reaching to 76 percent. He said layers of aqua fire are a major obstacle in digging out coal reserves.
According to him, the coal gasification has bypassed such issues. He said Pakistan was full of natural resources, including copper, gold and silver but still the development of the country was halted. He negated the impression that Pakistan was lagging behind in the comity of nations due to lack of capacity and said Pakistan has missile technology indigenously, which means Pakistani can do everything. He said the planning commission was working on furtherance of such possibilities.
According to him, Pakistan has found the Recodec reversed without efforts and 2 percent royalty against exploration was nothing but we would reverse the situation. He said our resources are not being utilised and developed due to the wrong policies and country's bureaucrat, military and politicians are responsible to it.
He the coal gasification has potential to provide substitution to different usages including diesel, petrol, furnace oil and gas. He said solution to the present energy problems lies in cheap and abundant electricity and Thar coal is the answer to these problems.
He said the new growth strategy of the country is being emphasised on power generation through coal. He said our installed capacity of thermal generation is 12000MW against hydel generation of 9000MW. He said the depleting gas reserves have led to excessive use of furnace oil in power generation, which carries high sulphur contents that cause negative maintenance impact on generation plants.