KARACHI: Speakers at a dialogue on "Energy Solutions" have called for further improving efficiency in the power generation, distribution and utilisation to overcome energy crisis and minimize load shedding.
They said that 3000 to 4000 megawatts can be carved out from the existing generation capacity through efficiency and conservation by making small investment.
The dialogue was organised in connection with the 6th anniversary of Energy Update magazine at a local hotel Thursday. They were of the view that by removing inefficiencies from generation, distribution and utilization of power, a sufficient amount of electricity can saved on short term basis.
Energy expert and former managing director Pakistan State Oil (PSO) Kaleem Siddiqui said that a sufficient amount of electricity is wasted at generation, distribution and consumers level due to inefficiencies in the system.
He said that a clear cut tilt towards the use of costliest fuel - furnace oil, has created all the ills in the energy sector. About 60 to 70 percent of the total generation is on furnace oil, raising the cost to Rs 13 to 17 per unit, he opined.
An energy consultant, Vinu G Advani said that the core issue in the present energy crisis is the inefficiency which is eating away a large fund and causing a shortage of electricity in the system. This problem can be overcome by making small investment instead of setting up new power plants, he noted.
Another energy expert and former head of Progas Ltd, Abbass Bilgrami said that a couple of thousand megawatts can be saved by improving efficiencies and using energy savers and LEDs.
He underlined the need for declaring "energy emergency" to deal with the current power crisis.
Country manager of Kuwait Petroleum Ltd Pakistan, Talat Jabeen said that price mechanism of petroleum products is the internal matter of Pakistan government. However, we supply oil to Pakistan at very competitive prices, she added.
Senior journalist Shamim ur Rehman said that delays in the implementation of policies also create problems and cause price escalation in the projects.
Managing Editor Energy Update, Naeem Qureshi said that the magazine has decided to hold dialogue of experts and stakeholders on energy issues to solicit recommendations and solution for policy makers.
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