It was encouraging to read the Business Recorder editorial "Harnessing Wind Power" in the issue of February 22nd, 2011. It is stated, quoting sources in the AEDB, that Pakistan can generate 350,000 MW electric power by using wind turbines. Also the potential of the Gharo corridor has been stated to be 30,000 MW.
This is indeed the best news for Pakistan's Energy Sector, and provides for the ultimate solution for load shedding for the next 100 years. One can expect the MW&P and the now former Minister of W&P to take credit for the "ultimate solution".
However, a closer scrutiny of the numbers quoted reveal a mindless duplicity of fictitious numbers and claims. It is stated that the overall estimated wind power potential in Pakistan is around 346,000 MW - which is about the same as the present report claims. Firstly, the fact is that the present total installed generation is about 22,000 MW, which is not even 6.36% of the claimed 346,000 MW. It is not clear what report is quoted. This must be reread and verified, before such ridiculous numbers and claims are released. Also the continuing rhetoric that Pakistan needs to utilize "green energy" to replace fossil fuels, must not be continued without first understanding how and at what cost wind power fits in the overall energy basket of any country. The undeniable fact is that fossil fuel, namely coal and gas account for over 50% of worldwide power generation, whereas wind power, even in the USA only comprises of about 3%.
Clearly the AEDB feasibility reports and other unnamed studies, have no rational understanding of the subject matter, and come up with such ridiculous and misleading figures. The fact of the matter is that AEDB in its 10 years of operations has virtually achieved nothing, both past and present management included. All one hears and reads about is the sometimes 21, sometimes over 50 renewable energy projects in the pipeline. It appears this pipeline is a bit too long for the government agencies and their commitment is too short. Apparently lessons have not been learnt, and the endless claims and celebrations of fictitious alternate energy solutions keep clouding the reality.
While alternate energy is indeed essential, it has to be integrated in the overall energy mix. For Pakistan, the projected figure in the 2005-2030 Energy Plan was 3-5%, which would translate to about 5,000 MW. Let the AEDB focus on the reality and deliver.