Potential and Constraints: Energy Scenario in Pakistan

Abstract

The energy industry is among the vital industries for the development of global infrastructure. Therefore, regardless of the size of a country, the energy sector will always play a vital role for the development of each and every country of the world.

Consumption in the power system in Pakistan has grown steadily during the last decade by 4.3 per cent.

Generation capability of hydropower stations fluctuates with the seasonal variations in river flows, reservoir heads, and the closure of canals for maintenance. As a result of freezing snow, hydropower generation output drops by an average of 40 - 45 per cent of installed hydropower capacity during the period from mid-December to mid-February and then again during mid-May, after that the monsoon rains improve the situation. The thermal generation capacity is not adequate to offset this deficit. Therefore, recently the emphasis has been laid to utilize the huge coal reservoirs of the country for power generation. Chinese help has been sought to exploit the huge coal reservoirs present in Sind Province.