What choice do we have to solve our energy crises without seriously damaging the environment and also meeting our international commitments as confirmed in COP-21 and now with full ratification before COP-22?
Hydel power should have been our biggest source of economical power but the vested interests who wanted Kalabagh Dam have made sure that we suffer because they did not get the canal for taking a large share of water to their selected land! The large dams, up in the mountains, should have been built at least 15 years back which would have provided both economical power and essential water security.
Now, for present critical power needs, we have no option but to go for efficient gas-fired combined cycle power plants but to reduce energy tariff, we must insist on high efficiency in real terms. The present trend to befool the nation by announcing high theoretical efficiency when actual efficiency for most time of the year is very low! We have seen advertised efficiency of 61% for solicited combined cycle power plants when the actual efficiency will not average more than 45% annually. What should have been advertised covering efficiency requirements that the agreed tariff will cover actual fuel costs at 61% thermal efficiency! Power plants would have been obliged to maintain the very high efficiency at all times since required technology is available. Renewable energy, at correct tariff, could be our next objective but we have totally failed in this sector also. Minor wind power installations, in comparison to the available potential just around Jhimpir, would hardly meet our required power availability. The real solar answer is in concentrated solar power which can provide double efficiency presently available from PV installations and also economically meet many extended hours of operation with optimum storage facilities. Where are we in CSP technology? The authorities are not interested since presently, there is no 'slush money' in this technology!
We seem to be getting away with murder when it comes to energy and environmental issues. Time for urgent action will not be there for long. Real wake-up call to all those who want to stand up and be counted!