Sane decision, at last
By Technology Times at September 12, 2011 | 1:21 pm | PrintA- Reset A+
At last, the NEPRA has come up with its decision to issue uniform tariffs for wind power projects in the country for a period of 20 years. These tariffs are meant for early completion of wind power projects. Under the newly framed decision, the wind companies will not have to get tariffs approved by NEPRA. Pakistan is critically experiencing the energy shortfall which is badly hampering the national economy and pulling down Pakistan’s GDP growth. The funds presently being spent on import of power generators and their fuel is an enormous drain on the economy. Larger industries can afford power generators, but small/medium enterprises, which are any nation’s primary growth engine, cann’t do it. At this critical stage, the NEPRA decision about fixing tariffs for wind power projects is by any means a good omen as the expensive import-based, oil-run power generation is not the solution for a longer time. A possible home-grown, energy solution, based on wind and solar energy, can be used. Many countries in the world have implemented alternative energy programmes. Spain is already producing 73 per cent of its power needs from wind and solar energy. Though technology is still evolving for solar energy, a more immediate solution is wind energy. The Karachi-Gwadar coastline has enormous potential for generating wind energy. Wind towers can generate between 7,000 to 10,000 MW of electricity. No doubt, there will be certain challenges to accomplish this task, but all the solutions are within Pakistan’s grasp. The government need not depend on foreign assistance for costly power generation as the national kitty is undoubtedly not in a position to bear this heavy cost. Pakistan needs about 14000-15000MW electricity per day, and the demand for it would certainly rise in coming years. The present power shortfall is badly affecting industry, commerce and daily life of people. All possible measures need to be adopted to conserve energy at all levels, and use all available sources to enhance production of energy. The main challenges are production and availability of wind turbines, safety and security of turbines, transmission lines to feed the national grid, capital cost of the project and long-term maintainability of the project. India has started producing wind turbines domestically. It is not a rocket science and Pakistani scientists can master this technology if mandated by the government. If Pakistan is to develop at a faster pace to attain a seven to eight per cent GDP growth, then it is imperative to address its energy needs. Wind power projects tariff fixing decision by Nepra is a right step towards strengthening alternative energy sources, however, the government should also take more steps to remove all impediment in this regards.
