“What does ‘LOL’ stand for in Pakistan?

‘Lots-of-Loadshedding’.”

“Why isn’t anyone intervening in Africa (as in Middle East)? It’s the layer of oil on Middle East … otherwise it’d have been no different than Africa.”

- Former NATO chief, Gen. Wesley Clark, 2007

 

   

WHAT IS ENERGY?:

 Energy makes change; it does things for us. It moves cars along the road and boats over the water. It bakes a cake in the oven and keeps ice frozen in the freezer. It plays our favorite songs and lights our homes. Energy makes our bodies grow and allows our minds to think. Scientists define energy as the ability to do work.

 FORMS OF ENERGY:

Energy is found in different forms, such as light, heat, sound, and motion. There are many forms of energy, but they can all be put into two categories: potential and kinetic.

POTENTIAL ENERGY:

Potential energy is stored energy and the energy of position, or gravitational potential energy. There are several forms of potential energy. 

·             CHEMICAL ENERGY is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. It is the energy that holds these particles together. Biomass, petroleum, natural gas, propane, and the foods we eat are examples of stored chemical energy. 

·             ELASTIC ENERGY is energy stored in objects by the application of a force. Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples of elastic energy. 

·             NUCLEAR ENERGY is energy stored in the nucleus of an atom; it is the energy that holds the nucleus together. The energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart. Nuclear power plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms in a process called fission. The sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in a process called fusion. 

          

·                GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY is the energy of position or place. A rock resting at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy because of its position. Hydro-power, such as water in a reservoir behind a dam, is an example of gravitational potential energy. 

 KINETIC ENERGY:

Kinetic energy is motion; it is the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects. Electrical energy is the movement of electrons. Everything is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are made of even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. Applying a force can make some of the electrons move. Electrons moving through a wire are called electricity. Lightning is another example of electrical energy. Radiant energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in vertical (transverse) waves. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves. Solar energy is an example of radiant energy.

THERMAL ENERGY:

Thermal energy, or heat, is the internal energy in substances; it is the vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within a substance. The more thermal energy in a substance, the faster the atoms and molecules vibrate and move. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy.

    

 MOTION ENERGY:

Motion energy is the movement of objects and substances from one place to another. Objects and substances move when an unbalanced force is applied according to Newton’s Laws of Motion. Wind is an example of motion energy. Sound energy is the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate; the energy is transferred.

WHAT IS ENERGY?

Energy makes change; it does things for us. It moves cars along the road and boats over the water. It bakes a cake in the oven and keeps ice frozen in the freezer. It plays our favorite songs and lights our homes. Energy makes our bodies grow and allows our minds to think. Scientists define energy as the ability to do work.

FORMS OF ENERGY:

Energy is found in different forms, such as light, heat, sound, and motion. There are many forms of energy, but they can all be put into two categories: potential and kinetic.

POTENTIAL ENERGY:

Potential energy is stored energy and the energy of position, or gravitational potential energy. There are several forms of potential energy. 

·               CHEMICAL ENERGY is energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. It is the energy that holds these particles together. Biomass, petroleum, natural gas, propane, and the foods we eat are examples of stored chemical energy. 

·               ELASTIC ENERGY is energy stored in objects by the application of a force. Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples of elastic energy. 

·               NUCLEAR ENERGY is energy stored in the nucleus of an atom; it is the energy that holds the nucleus together. The energy can be released when the nuclei are combined or split apart. Nuclear power plants split the nuclei of uranium atoms in a process called fission. The sun combines the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in a process called fusion. 

          

·                GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY is the energy of position or place. A rock resting at the top of a hill contains gravitational potential energy because of its position. Hydro-power, such as water in a reservoir behind a dam, is an example of gravitational potential energy.

KINETIC ENERGY:

         Kinetic energy is motion; it is the motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, substances, and objects. Electrical energy is the movement of electrons. Everything is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are made of even smaller particles called electrons, protons, and neutrons. Applying a force can make some of the electrons move. Electrons moving through a wire are called electricity. Lightning is another example of electrical energy. Radiant energy is electromagnetic energy that travels in vertical (transverse) waves. Radiant energy includes visible light, x-rays, gamma rays, and radio waves. Solar energy is an example of radiant energy.

THERMAL ENERGY:

         Thermal energy or heat, is the internal energy in substances; it is the vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within a substance. The more thermal energy in a substance, the faster the atoms and molecules vibrate and move. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy.

    

MOTION ENERGY:

          Motion energy is the movement of objects and substances from one place to another. Objects and substances move when an unbalanced force is applied according to Newton’s Laws of Motion. Wind is an example of motion energy. Sound energy is the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate; the energy is transferred.

INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY:

   

Energy is considered to be life line of any economy and most vital instrument of socioeconomic development of a country. Energy is pivotal in running machinery in factories and industrial units, for lighting our cities and powering our vehicles etc.  There has been an enormous increase in the demand of energy as a result of industrial development and population growth, in comparison to enhancement in energy production. Supply of energy is, therefore, far less than the actual demand, resultantly crisis has emerged. An energy crisis can be defined as any great bottleneck (or price rise) in the supply of energy resources to an economy.

         Thermal energy, or heat, is the internal energy in substances; it is the vibration and movement of the atoms and molecules within a substance. The more thermal energy in a substance, the faster the atoms and molecules vibrate and move. Geothermal energy is an example of thermal energy. Motion energy is the movement of objects and substances from one place to another. Objects and substances move when an unbalanced force is applied according to Newton’s Laws of Motion. Wind is an example of motion energy. Sound energy is the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal (compression/rarefaction) waves. Sound is produced when a force causes an object or substance to vibrate; the energy is transferred.

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY:

Your parents may tell you to conserve energy. “Turn off the lights,” they say. To scientists, energy conservation is not just about saving energy. The Law of Conservation of Energy says that energy is neither created nor destroyed. When we use energy, it doesn’t disappear. We change one form of energy into another. A car engine burns gasoline, converting the chemical energy in gasoline into motion energy. Solar cells change radiant energy into electrical energy. Energy changes form, but the total amount of energy in the universe stays the same.  

HISTORY:

·               1960's:

         A large civilian energy input and infrastructure was built by the Pakistan military, with the financial funds provided by various countries and international monetary sources.

Much of the energy was produced by the hydroelectric dams and thermal power stations.

·               1970's:

     In the 1970s, Pakistan's energy consumption expanded to nuclear power sources with the establishment and commissioning of first nuclear power station in Karachi. Highest oil production in major industrial nations (Germany, United States, Canada, etc.)

·               1973:

                      Oil crisis

·               1980's:

The dependence on nuclear sources further grew and the military continued engineering and building the nuclear power infrastructure.

·               1994:

      Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) launched the country's

      Out of the total installed capacity of 11000MW, 60% of energy was produced from       the hydroelectric power sources.

·               1995:

         Only 27 IPPs were able to generate 6,335MW of electricity.

·               2001:

    The military government led by President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, while contributing to the growth of domestic demand for electricity through large-scale provision of bank loans for the purchase of air-conditioners and home appliances (share of domestic energy consumption had jumped to 46% of the total by 2008)

·               2008:

After the general elections the mismanagement and weak policies increased the cycle of load shedding in the country.

       - Prime Minister, Yousaf Gilani announced the "energy policy" on 22 April 2010

       -Musadik Malik has been entrusted to develop Energy Policy for Pakistan. He was appointed Federal Minister, Water and Power of the Pakistan Government in 2013.

PAKISTAN'S ENERGY SECTOR:

Pakistan’s energy infrastructure is not well developed, rather it is considered to be underdeveloped and poorly managed. Currently the country is facing severe energy crisis. Despite of strong economic growth and rising energy demand during past decade, no serious efforts have been made to install new capacity of generation. Moreover, rapid demand growth, transmission losses due to outdated infrastructure, power theft, and seasonal reductions in the availability of hydro power have worsened the situation. Consequently, the demand exceeds supply and hence load-shedding is a common phenomenon through power shutdown. 

ENERGY SUPPLY:

     During 2009-10, Energy supply and per capita availability of energy witnessed a decline of 0.64 % and 3.09 % respectively in comparison to previous year.

Pakistan needs around 15,000 to 20000 MW electricity per day, however, currently it is able to produce about 11,500 MW per day hence there is a shortfall of about 4000 to 9000 MW per day. This shortage is badly hampering the economic growth of the country.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION:

       Pakistan’s energy consumption is met by mix of gas, oil, electricity, and coal and LPG sources with different level of shares. Share of gas consumption stood at 43.7 %, followed by oil 29.0 percent, electricity 15.3 percent, coal 10.4 percent and LPG 1.5 percent.

  SOURCES OF ENERGY IN PAKISTAN:

 Non-renewable resources (Fossil fuels): [Limited – Expensive]

         Nonrenewable resources are primarily fossil fuels emanating from remains/decomposition of animals and plants deposited deep into the earth crust and converted into oil and gas. These resources cannot be replenished. There are three main types of fossil fuels: coal, petroleum, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

    PETROLEUM PRODUCTS:

In 2009-10, consumption of petroleum products was 29% of total share of energy. Majority of crude oil is imported from gulf countries to meet the demand. Power, industry and transport sectors consume higher quantity of petroleum followed by agriculture and households. Petroleum is also used in generation of electricity, which counts 64 percent of total electricity generation (34 coming from hydro generation). Balance recoverable reserves of crude oil in country have been estimated at 303.63 million barrels and we are extracting approximately 24 million crude oil annually, meaning if we do not explore new wells, we will exhaust our current crude oil reserves in 12-13 years.

NATURAL GAS:

           Importance of natural gas is increasing rapidly. Average production of natural gas is 4,048.76 million cubic feet per day as against 3,986.53 million during corresponding last year, showing an increase of 1.56 percent. Natural gas is used in general industry to prepare consumer items, to produce cement, for manufacturing fertilizers and to generate electricity. In form of CNG, it is used in transport sector. Share of natural gas in energy consumption is 43.7 percent. Due to price differential between CNG and Petrol, vehicles are using converted to CNG and approximately 2.0 million vehicles are using CNG and currently Pakistan is the largest CNG user country in the world. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) contributes around 0.7 percent to total energy supply in country and is being imported to stop deforestation in hilly areas.

COAL:

Pakistan has coal reserves estimated at over 185 billion metric tons, including 175 billion metric tons identified at Thar coalfields. Coal is primarily being used in brick kiln and cement industries and approximately 67 percent coal is imported because indigenous coal is not considered of good quality.
Guddu plant is largest plant thermal operated plant with a capacity of 1,650 MW, while two largest Independent Power Plants (IPPs) in Pakistan are Kot Addu (1,600 MW) and Hubb River (1,300 MW).

  

RENEWABLE RESOURCES: (Unlimited – sustainable – clean)

         Renewable energy resources are those, which are naturally replenished and come from resources such as water, sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.

HYDRO POWER:

       Hydro power is generated by using electricity generators to extract energy from moving water. Pakistan is having rich resource of energy in hydal power, however, only 34 % of total electricity generation is coming from hydro power. Currently we are having 6555 MW against the potential of 41000 to 45000 MW.

CURRENT HYDRO POWER STATIONS:

Tarbella Dam : 3,478 MW

Ghazi Brotha: 1450 MW

Mangla 1,000 MW

Warsak 240 MW

Chashma 184 MW

POTENTIAL HYDRO POWER STATIONS:

Diamer-Bhasha Dam 4500 MW

Munda Dam – Swat river in Mohamand Agency 740 MW

Kalabagh Dam 2400-3600 MW

Bunji Dam 5400 MW

Dasu Dam 3800 MW

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY:

Wind:

Wind power harnesses the power of the wind to propel the blades of wind turbines. These turbines cause the rotation of magnets, which creates electricity. Though Pakistan has potentials of wind energy ranging from 10000 MW to 50000 MW, yet power generation through wind is in initial stages in Pakistan and currently 06 MW has been installed in first phase in Jhampir through a Turkish company and 50 MW will be installed shortly. More wind power plants will be built in Jhampir, Gharo, Keti Bandar and Bin Qasim Karachi.

Solar:

Solar power involves using solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, using sunlight hitting solar thermal panels to convert sunlight to heat water or air. Pakistan has potential of more than 100,000 MW from solar energy. Building of solar power plants is underway in Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. However, private vendors are importing panels / solar water heaters for consumption in the market.

Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) is working for 20,000 solar water heaters in Gilgit Baltistan. Mobile companies have been asked by the government to shift supply of energy to their transmission towers from petroleum to solar energy panels.

Agricultural biomass /biodiesel:

Biomass production involves using garbage or other renewable resources such as sugarcane, corn or other vegetation to generate electricity. When garbage decomposes, methane is produced and captured in pipes and later burned to produce electricity. Vegetation and wood can be burned directly to generate energy, like fossil fuels, or processed to form alcohols. Brazil has one of the largest renewable energy programs from biomass/biodiesel in the world, followed by USA. Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) of Pakistan has planned to generate 10 MW of electricity from municipal waste in Karachi followed by similar projects in twenty cities of country.

Tidal:

Tidal power can be extracted from Moon-gravity-powered tides by locating a water turbine in a tidal current. The turbine can turn an electrical generator, or a gas compressor, that can then store energy until needed. Coastal tides are a source of clean, free, renewable, and sustainable energy. Plans are underway in Pakistan to harness tidal energy; however, no implementation has been made so far.

Nuclear:

Nuclear power stations use nuclear fission reaction to generate energy by the reaction of uranium inside a nuclear reactor. Pakistan has a small nuclear power program, with 425 MW capacity, but there are plans to increase this capacity substantially.
Since Pakistan is outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it is excluded from trade in nuclear plant or materials, which hinders its development of civil nuclear energy. Remaining issues in development of nuclear energy are enrichment of uranium from U235 to U238, controlling chain reaction and dumping of solid waste.

  Pakistan Nuclear Power Reactors: 

  Reactor Type MW Construction started Commercial operation

Karachi PHWR* 125 1966 1972

Chashma 1 PWR** 300 1993 2000

Chashma 2 PWR** 300 2005 expected 2011

Total 425 MW

* Pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) - Canadian based reactors

** Pressurized water reactor (PWR) – Chinese based reactors 

CRISIS IN PAKISTAN:

·                Increasing in population

·                High Prices

-          Especially increasing in oil prices since 2003

·                Industrial sector

-          Faisalabad industrial zone

-          Industries shifting to abroad

·                Growing GDP and Energy requirement

-          Double in 2015

-          7 times by 2030

·                 Gap between Demand and Supply

-          Energy supply per capita in 2012 decline 3.09%

·                 Over consumption

·                 Infrastructure damage

·               · Misuse of electricity and water

CAUSES OF ENERGY CRISIS:

 Pakistan’s energy crisis traces its roots to following distinct causes: 

Over the years there is greater need of energy because of;

·                      Increase in population

·                      Enhancement in lifestyle

·                      Industrial and agricultural growth

·                      Greater transportation needs

Lack of proactive and integrated planning for production of energy:

Pakistan has had wider potentials to tap energy, however, due to lack of any integrated/proactive planning, very less number of power producing plant were installed to meet futuristic demands. Resultantly, over the years, the gap between energy demand and supply drastically grew and now against demand of 20000 MW, we are having around 11500 MW.

Imbalance energy mix: 

Energy mix in Pakistan is quite imbalance in comparison to other countries, with greater reliance on non-renewable resources of gas (43.7 %) and oil (29 % - majority of which is imported). Prices of petroleum products/crude oil fluctuate and in current Afro-Arab political crisis, the oil prices are likely to increase manifold affecting oil prices in Pakistan.
A rational energy mix planning ought to be developed giving greater dependency to renewable (hydel power), indigenous (coal) and alternative energy resources (wind and solar energy).

     

       Non-utilization of enormous indigenous energy resources:

Thar Coal:

·               Pakistan is having one of the largest coal fields in Thar, having reserves of more than 175 billion tones, which exceeds equivalent oil reserves of Saudi Arabia, Iran etc.

·               In addition to power generation, and this coal can be used for chemical and fertilizer production.

·               Moreover, employment provided to workforce can be instrumental in increasing GDP and economic prosperity to many families. 

Hydal power generation:

·               Pakistan has potential of hydro resources to generate 41000 to 45000 MW, however, only 6555 MW is currently being generated by this important renewable resource.

·               Four large hydropower dams namely Kalabagh 3600 MW, Bhasha 4500 MW, Bunji 5400 MW and Dasu 3800 MW can be constructed to generate hydroelectricity.

·               Similarly, many small to medium hydro plants can be installed on rivers and canals etc.

      CONSEQUENCES OF ENERGY CRISIS:

Economic Factors:

            Energy is pivotal for running all other resources and crisis of energy directly influences all other sectors of the economy. The economic progress is hampered by decline in agricultural productivity as well as by halting in operations of industries. One important factor of lower GDP and inflation of commodity prices in recent years is attributed to shortfalls in energy supply.
  

Agriculture Sector:

Agricultural productivity of Pakistan is decreasing due to provision of energy for running tube wells, agricultural machinery and production of fertilizers and pesticides. Thus higher energy means higher agricultural productivity.

Industrial Sector:

 Nearly all Industrial units are run with the energy and breakage in energy supply is having dire consequences on industrial growth. As a result of decline in energy supply, industrial units are not only being opened, but also the existing industrial units are gradually closing.

Unemployment: 

       By closure of industrial units and less agricultural productivity, new employment opportunities ceased to exist and already employed manpower is shredded by the employers to increase their profit ratios. Thus energy crisis contributes towards unemployment. 

Social Issues: 

 This factor is primarily related to the domestic usage of energy (cooking, heating and water provision). Load shedding cause unrest and frustration amongst the people and results in agitation against the government.

Poverty:

       Declination in economic growth, lower agricultural productivity, unemployment and shackling industrial growth result in increasing poverty. Currently, around forty percent of our population is living beyond poverty line and this ratio is increasing day by day. 

          CONSERVATION AND CONSUMPTION:

    Due to rising demand and a failing power infrastructure severe electricity shortages have occurred in Pakistan. Power outages can last 6–8 hours a day in the cities and many more in the rural areas.

·               Children can't do their homework.

·               Housework doesn't get done, as washing machines and other appliances cannot   work.

·               When you go home from work, you have no idea whether there will be electricity at home. Your whole life is disturbed. 

IMPACT OF ENERGY CRISIS:

·                   Effect Education System

                  - 5-7 hours of electricity outage effect on Student’s studies.

·               Effect on Industrial Sector

                  -Minimum supply of Energy resource to Industries leads minimum Production.

·                Higher Electricity Price

- Consumer to pay high price of electricity due to insufficient supply and high cost of electricity production

·                   Effect on Economy

-Minimum Supply of Energy into an economic will lead to less economy activity as whole production of country will not be as per its capacity.

RESOLVING PAKISTAN'S ENERGY CRISIS:

      The previous government, led by President Asif Zardari, did take some steps to reduce the supply-demand gap through implementing consumer friendly energy policies. A mega corruption scandal involving high-level officials eventually got taken up by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which reported massive losses to the government. These corrupt practices increased the gap in supply and demand of the total output supplied via Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC). 

         Subsequently, when the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took over in June 2013, the energy shortfall was already at dangerous levels with overall supply deficit reaching 6000MW to 7000MW during the summers. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his team took few steps to reduce load shedding by implementing shortfall reduction policies for commercial and residential areas. Furthermore, six coal-based power projects in Punjab and Sindh during late 2013 and early 2014 that were meant to increase the power generating capacity by up to 14000MW. 

           RECOMMENDATIONS:

  To overcome present energy crisis, Pakistan needs to take the following steps in form of:   

1.            Short Term Plan 

2.            Medium Term Plan

3.            Long Term Plan

SHORT TERM PLAN:

·               Increase the number of IPPs (independent Power Producers).

·               Reinstalled the closed power generating units.

·               Improve the existing poor distribution system.

·               Import electricity to fulfill the current need for industries.

·               Government should have strict check on energy indicators on regular basis to counter such crisis in future.

MEDIUM TERM PLAN:

·                Transformation of existing system to renewable energy resources.

·               Developing and installing biogas, solar, wind and micro hydro based projects in villages.

LONG TERM PLAN:

·               Developing and installing coal based power houses.

·                Initiate agreements for mega projects with the energy extensive countries for sustainable energy resources.

·                Exploration of more oil, gas and coal reserves.

·                Provide incentive for up gradation and training to the engineers for new technology.

CONCLUSION:

Energy Crisis has, moreorless, plagued all sectors of Pakistan’s machinery ranging from economy to industry, agriculture to social life, inflation to poverty and it is hampering national progress in a drastic manner. Nonetheless, menace of energy crisis can be overwhelmed by government through making effective policies and its proactive implementation. Simultaneously, it is the responsibility of us, the people of Pakistan, to utilize the available energy astutely and wisely to play our due role for progress of the country.

Pakistan is moving in the direction of coal in the 21st century which poses serious environmental challenges that have to be addressed. The country needs affordable energy for its development and growth. Coal based energy roadmap has to be developed together with development of additional gas resources. Shale gas is another option that should be considered. Hydel power potential also remains untapped. In USA, there is a separate department for energy that formulates short, medium and long term plans to ensure sustainable supply of this most important resource. Pakistan can also follow the same approach.