362 replies to this topic

[MirBadshah]

Sugar mills to produce cheap electricity




By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD, June 28: The government on Thursday told the sugar industry that power co-generation by sugar mills will be encouraged provided the tariff was cheaper and electricity was available faster than thermal plants.

This was the outcome of a meeting presided over by Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives Jahangir Khan Tareen. The meeting was also attended by the representatives of Planning Commission, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, Wapda, Private Power Infrastructure Board, National Transmission and Dispatch Company and Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA).

The minister told the industry that before reaching on any decision, it will also be ensured that sizeable quantity of sugar was available and that the mills use non-gas fuels for power co-generation.

The PSMA in its presentation told the meeting that mills would use

baggase and coal as fuel. They also informed that the electricity produced by them would be cheaper than the thermal power. The PSMA had the capacity to produce up to 1500MW of electricity and that they can start production by the year 2009-10.

The meeting was informed that a sugar mill of an average size could produce 30-40MW of electricity. Counting advantages of power co-generation by the sugar mills, PSMA told the meeting that they could ensure speedy production of electricity than that of thermal power plants and that they will use baggase as a fuel, which is renewable.

The meeting decided that a presentation should be given to the prime minister on the whole scheme of power co-generation and the issues like tariff will be brought to his notice before the sugar industry is formally given a go ahead.

http://www.dawn.com/.../06/29/ebr1.htm

[baltoro]

this is a good idea, using bagasse(left over reamins from sugar production) to make electricty

[Jahan]

And its a renewable source, so it's great for the environment.

It's actually good. Although I wish they could do it slightly sooner.

Pakistan is having trouble coping with the price of success. We need the extra power now.

I dream of the time when our country has no load-shedding.

[MoThSmOkE]

They can produce ethanol out of it. And mix 10% of ethanol in gasoline with no negative effects on engines.

[maglomanic]

Man i wish we had a sticky thread just for energy news.
There is a good news here i want to add. National Renewable Energy Labs of US have created Solar and wind maps for Pakistan and Afghanistan. This was done for SARI/Energy (an energy group in south asia). I sent email to them and they say these maps will be posted on their website as well as federal chamber of commerce's website as well.

NREL already have alot of data/maps/GIS resources for other countries in region (Srilanka,Bangaldesh,India etc)
http://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html

I will find out whenever these guys post Paksitani resources and post on the board.

[cool guy]

Its looks very good that Sugar Mills will produce the cheap electricity from waste , however practically the cost of the electricity is very high in comparision of conventional methods of thermal power. Whether any pilot project has been under taken and what are the results of that.

Non conventional energy sources are not successful due to reson of high capital cost and/or high matce. cost whih results in high cost of energy per unit in addition of other factors such as reliability and availability of supply of raw material.

[1Pakistani]

They can produce ethanol out of it. And mix 10% of ethanol in gasoline with no negative effects on engines.

Well i would agree ethanol is the way in certain areas especially manufacturing industry, but 10% blend does cause damage to car engines, thats y no manufacture say no to even 1% blend. But its something we should explore as renewable energy source. Brizil is big example and we can learn from them interm of enthanol.

[PS:Annonymous]

Man i wish we had a sticky thread just for energy news.
There is a good news here i want to add. National Renewable Energy Labs of US have created Solar and wind maps for Pakistan and Afghanistan. This was done for SARI/Energy (an energy group in south asia). I sent email to them and they say these maps will be posted on their website as well as federal chamber of commerce's website as well.

NREL already have alot of data/maps/GIS resources for other countries in region (Srilanka,Bangaldesh,India etc)
http://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html

I will find out whenever these guys post Paksitani resources and post on the board.

I will make this thread sticky and we can discuss all the energy topics in it. Post all the energy news here.

[maglomanic]

I will make this thread sticky and we can discuss all the energy topics in it. Post all the energy news here.

Apprecaite it Psycho.

[maglomanic]

Ok i guess i should start gathering the other renewable energy news that was posted here as well:

Originally posted by Tarbella on another thread but i believe we should archive such stories in this thread for future refernce.

http://thenews.jang....il.asp?id=60627

"Tidal energy can help resolve Karachi’s energy crisis



Twenty-year-old study remains buried as city suffers from the power shortage epidemic

By Shahid Husain

Karachi

The complex creeks network in the Indus Deltaic region, extending over an area of 170 kilometers along the 990-km coastline that Pakistan shares with the Arabian Sea can generate 900 megawatts (MW) of cheap energy, and adequately meet the power requirements of Karachi, according to a research conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).

A team of scientists, led by Dr G.S. Quraishee, a former director general of NIO, conducted the two-year study some 20 years ago, but it is lying buried in the archives of the Pakistani bureaucracy apparently because the latter has a vested interest in producing energy through oil imports and enjoying huge kickbacks.

Tapping renewable energy from the ocean is becoming increasingly important. One reason is that ocean energies are renewable and can not deplete, the study said. The other is that, unlike solar or wind power, which manifests itself in kilowatts, ocean energies are being debated and planned, in some cases even executed, in terms of megawatts. A third factor in its favour is the environment.

According to the NIO study entitled “Feasibility Studies For The extraction Of Energy From Current And HalioHydroGravity Along Pakistan Coast,” water flows with high velocity during floods and ebb tides, which is a “very favourable requirement” for the extraction of energy from currents. “The bays and lagoons along Makran coast west of Karachi have narrow entrances and enclose large sea areas. The salinities in these semi-enclosed areas are higher than the open sea due to the high rate of evaporation. If the narrow entrances of these bays and lagoons are closed artificially, the evaporation will create hydraulic head with higher elevation of water level on the seaside. This head can be utilised for obtaining power. The power resources of the creeks system are great assets for future energy supply in the region. The serious power shortage which the industry is facing at Karachi can be adequately met from these resources,” the study said.

With the 15-million population of the mega city Karachi groaning due to persistent load-shedding, it is high time that the planners pay heed to the findings of the study and bring some solace to children who have to prepare for exams, the miserable people who need to sleep in order to perform efficiently at their workplaces the next day as well as housewives who have to perform household chores amidst stifling heat.

Investigations carried out in “all the main creeks of Indus Delta,” namely Korangi Creek, Phitti Creek, Chan Waddo Creek, Khuddi Creek, Khai Creek, Paitiani Creek, Dabbo Creek, Bhuri Creek, Hajamaro Creek, Khobar Creek, Qalandri Creek, Kahr Creek, Bachiar Creek, Wari Creek and Kajhar Creek showed that, “about 900MW can be produced.”

Korangi, Phitti and Chan Waddo creeks, all located near Karachi, “have good potential for power production and the estimated power available is 174, 78 and 280MW respectively,” according to the study.

In the emerging scenario when developed countries are vying to tap into environment-friendly options of tidal energy, one wonders why tidal energy is not being exploited in Pakistan.

A commission, launched by environmental group Greenpeace is studying how Scotland can tap the power ocean waves for generating electricity. It has a market worth 20 billion pounds in the United Kingdom alone and 500 billion pounds worldwide.

“Australian scientists fantasise about the day when they could get enough power from the surf-friendly waves along the southern coast to meet the whole country’s electricity needs.

“Politicians in Oregon dream of generating all the state’s power from the Pacific. Britain’s Carbon Trust, a government-funded company that proffers help with the cutting of greenhouse emissions, says 20 per cent of the national energy could come from the sea,” said The Economist in April 2007.


"

[maglomanic]

RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCE LINKS you all should read. I am listing them in no particular order recalling from my memory.

1)A PESWIKI with tons of information on Renewable with company profiles and technologies involved.

http://peswiki.com/index.php/Main_Page

Check on the index to the right. Almost all renewable energy sources are listed which take you to their respective pages. Each one will take you a day to finish


2) Cradle to Cradle philosphy and it's major proponent William A. McDonough
http://www.mcdonough.com/full.htm

3)A Good blog that tries to cover latest and the greatest (GREEN GEEK):
http://www.greengeek.ca/

4)Psycho's post on Microhydal in a thread on Think Tank forum with links to microhydal technology:"http://www.elements.nb.ca/theme/energy/micro/micro.htm
here is very good article.

this technology can be very effective in north Pakistan where we have streams, falls and this kind of tech can create revolution. cheap, affordable renewable power source

http://www.microhydropower.com/
"

5)Empower Consultants (New Zealand based company that has done some major work in Pakistan with renewable. They seem to be one of the earlies ones. Feel free to email them if you have any questions they always reply and are very firendly)

http://www.mpwr.co.nz/
Their projects: http://www.mpwr.co.n...php?p=southasia

6) Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies (PCERT) <i wish they would further improve this site>

http://www.pcret.gov.pk/

7) Government of Pakistan ,Alternative EnergyDevelopment Board (AEDB)

http://www.aedb.org/

A PDF of Pakistan's Policy on Advancement of Renewable Energy
http://www.aedb.org/...nalFormatte.pdf




I will update this post everytime i come across some good resource (give not too lazy at that time )

[maglomanic]

ROLL Out of Solar and Wind energy maps for Pakistan:

http://www.fpcci.com...ysymposium1.pdf

We are pleased to inform you that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI)
in collaboration with the SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) and the South Asia Regional
Initiative for Energy (SARI/Energy) is organizing a two-day symposium on “Renewable Energy
Resources: roll-out of Wind and Solar Resources Maps for Afghanistan and Pakistan” on June 25-
26, 2007 at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan.
The purpose of the symposium is to introduce and distribute the Wind and Solar Maps and Geographic
Information System (GIS) data products for Pakistan and Afghanistan. The maps have been prepared for
US Agency for International Development (USAID) by the US National Renewal Energy Laboratory. The
maps are useful as they provide high resolution information on the Solar and Wind energy sources
available and will help developers identify specific high-valued areas for conducting project specific on site
assessments and development. The maps and data products will be instrumental in identifying and
developing optimal wind and solar energy sites in the two countries. The symposium will:
• Familiarize policy makers, project developers, financial institutions and other stake holders with
the maps and their use
• Bring together stakeholders from the South Asian Region and the U.S. to discuss and share
ideas on regional renewal energy development opportunities
• Distribute the Wind and Solar maps with the Geospatial tool kit to the Conference participants
• Discuss possible next steps for installation of maps
Mr. Liaquat Ali Jatoi, Federal Minister for Water and Power and his Afghan counterpart have consented to
address the conference followed by speeches by World’s renowned authorities on the subject.

[maglomanic]

These maps will be hosted by the following website according to the email i recieved from SARI/Energy in reply to my email:

http://www.fpcci.com.pk/
http://www.sari-energy.org/

These maps were made by US National Renewable Energy Labs for SARI and they have done this for other countries in south asia as well. Here are the resources for other countries (just to get a glance of how the maps and GSI data will look like)

http://swera.unep.net/
http://www.nrel.gov/...assessment.html
http://www.nrel.gov/gis/
http://www.nrel.gov/..._resources.html
http://www.worldbank...erasa/index.htm

[maglomanic]

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) wind mapping project

http://www.met.gov.p...troduction.html
http://www.met.gov.p...ts/science.html
http://www.met.gov.p...ts/updates.html

INTRODUCTION


The demand for energy has increased in tremendous proportions in the last few decades in Pakistan; the same is expected to increase further in the coming years. The primary sources of energy available in Pakistan are oil, natural gas, hydro and nuclear Power. At present oil accounts for approximately 45% of total commercial energy supply. The share of natural gas is 34% while that of hydel power remains roughly at 15%. The increase in cost of fossil fuel and the various environmental problems of large scale power generation have lead to increased appreciation of the potential of electricity generation from non-conventional sources. This has provided the planners and economists to find out other low cost energy resources.

Wind and Solar energies are the possible clean and low cost renewable resources available in the country. The potential, for the use of alternative technologies, has never been fully explored in Pakistan. Wind power provides opportunity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel and at the same time expands the power supply capacity to remote locations where grid expansion is not practical.

Recently conducted survey of Wind Power Potential along coastal areas of the country by Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), indicates that a potential exists for harvesting wind energy using currently available technologies, especially along Sindh coast.

Gharo, one of the sites in Sindh where the wind data have been recorded and studied by PMD, has been selected for this feasibility study. The wind measurements at Gharo have been carried out during 24 months period. The annual mean wind speed is estimated to be 6.86m/s at 50 meter above ground level. The annual power density of area is 408.6 W/m2, which bring the site into good category of power potential, which means this area is suitable for large economically viable wind farm.

Using the measured wind data the annual gross energy production by an 18 MW wind farm consisting of thirty – 600 kW turbines will be 45 million kWh. Taking into account the wind turbine availability, net losses and wake effects in the wind farm the net annual energy production is estimated to 31 million kWh per year corresponding to a capacity factor of 28%.

The total investment will be Rs: 850 million and pay back period will be 7-8 years. The capital cost of wind power projects ranges Rs 4 to5 crore per MW. This gives a levelised cost of wind energy generation in the range of Rs: 2.50 to 3.00 per kWh, taking into consideration the fiscal benefits extended by the government.

Wind Power Production

There are two terms to describe basic electricity production.

1. Efficiency,
2. Capacity factor.

Efficiency refers to how much useful energy (electricity, in this case) we can get from an energy source. A 100 percent energy efficient machine would change all the energy put into it into useful energy. It would not waste any energy. There is no such thing as a 100 percent energy efficient machine. Some energy is always lost or wasted when one form of energy is converted to another. The lost energy is usually in the form of heat, which dissipates into the air and cannot be used again economically. How efficient are wind machines? Wind machines are just as efficient as most other plants, such as coal plants. Wind machines convert 30-40 percent of the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. A coal-fired power plant converts about 30-35 percent of the chemical energy in coal into usable electricity.

Capacity refers to the capability of a power plant to produce electricity. A power plant with a 100 percent capacity rating would run all day, every day at full power. There would be no down time for repairs or refueling, an impossible goal for any plant. Coal plants typically have a 75 percent capacity rating since they can run day or night, during any season of the year.

Wind power plants are different from power plants that burn fuel. Wind plants depend on the availability of wind, as well as the speed of the wind. Therefore, wind machines cannot operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A wind turbine at a typical wind farm operates 65-80 percent of the time, but usually at less than full capacity, because the wind speed is not at optimum levels. Therefore, its capacity factor is 30-35 percent. Economics also plays a large part in the capacity of wind machines. Winds machines can be built that have much higher capacity factors, but it is not economical to do so. The decision is based on electricity output per dollar of investment.

Capacity Factor

The annual energy output from a wind turbine is to look at the capacity factor for the turbine in its particular location. By capacity factor we mean its actual annual energy output divided by the theoretical maximum output, if the machine were running at its rated (maximum) power during all of the 8766 hours of the year.

Example: If a 600 kW turbine produces 1.5 million kWh in a year, its capacity factor is = 1500000: (365.25 * 24 * 600) = 1500000: 5259600 = 0.285 = 28.5 per cent.

Capacity factors may theoretically vary from 0 to 100 per cent, but in practice they will usually range from 20 to 70 per cent, and mostly be around 25-30 per cent.

Wind Power Production

There are two terms to describe basic electricity production.

1. Efficiency,
2. Capacity factor.

Efficiency refers to how much useful energy (electricity, in this case) we can get from an energy source. A 100 percent energy efficient machine would change all the energy put into it into useful energy. It would not waste any energy. There is no such thing as a 100 percent energy efficient machine. Some energy is always lost or wasted when one form of energy is converted to another. The lost energy is usually in the form of heat, which dissipates into the air and cannot be used again economically. How efficient are wind machines? Wind machines are just as efficient as most other plants, such as coal plants. Wind machines convert 30-40 percent of the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. A coal-fired power plant converts about 30-35 percent of the chemical energy in coal into usable electricity.

Capacity refers to the capability of a power plant to produce electricity. A power plant with a 100 percent capacity rating would run all day, every day at full power. There would be no down time for repairs or refueling, an impossible goal for any plant. Coal plants typically have a 75 percent capacity rating since they can run day or night, during any season of the year.

Wind power plants are different from power plants that burn fuel. Wind plants depend on the availability of wind, as well as the speed of the wind. Therefore, wind machines cannot operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A wind turbine at a typical wind farm operates 65-80 percent of the time, but usually at less than full capacity, because the wind speed is not at optimum levels. Therefore, its capacity factor is 30-35 percent. Economics also plays a large part in the capacity of wind machines. Winds machines can be built that have much higher capacity factors, but it is not economical to do so. The decision is based on electricity output per dollar of investment.

Capacity Factor

The annual energy output from a wind turbine is to look at the capacity factor for the turbine in its particular location. By capacity factor we mean its actual annual energy output divided by the theoretical maximum output, if the machine were running at its rated (maximum) power during all of the 8766 hours of the year.

Example: If a 600 kW turbine produces 1.5 million kWh in a year, its capacity factor is = 1500000: (365.25 * 24 * 600) = 1500000: 5259600 = 0.285 = 28.5 per cent.

Capacity factors may theoretically vary from 0 to 100 per cent, but in practice they will usually range from 20 to 70 per cent, and mostly be around 25-30 per cent.

Energy Production

Wind generated electric power out put at Gharo has been estimated by using the 600kW wind turbine Bonus 600/40 MK IV type. The cut-in wind speed of turbine is 3m/s and cutout wind speed is 25m/s. Rotor diameter is 44 meters and hub height has been taken as 50 meter. The monthly and annual wind generated electric power out put at Gharo-Sindh along with capacity factor are given in Table-1a, b and the month-wise hourly wind power output is given in the Appendix. The minor differences between the output electric energy shown in Table-1a & b and in Appendix are due to calculations on monthly and hourly basis respectively.


PMD Calculator (using 50M)

Months
Capacity Factor
kWh per Month

January
13%
57745

February
16%
65384

March
16%
69869

April
30%
127689

May
60%
268240

June
45%
194703

July
68%
305321

August
35%
157142

September
43%
187858

October
12%
53867

November
10%
44324

December
13%
59327

Annual
28%
1495808



The wind turbine specifications are given below in Table-2 & 3.

Table-2: Wind Turbine Specifications

S.NO
DESCRIPTION
UNIT
TYPE

1
Turbine

Bonus 600/40 MK IV

2
Power
kW
600

3
Cut-in wind
m/s
3

4
Cut-out wind
m/s
25

5
Rotor diameter
m
44

6
Hub height
m
50




Table-3 Wind Turbine Specifications



S.NO
DESCRIPTION
UNIT
TYPE

1
Plant Capacity
MW
18

2
No of wind Turbines
Number
30

3
Plant factor
(Estimate %)
30

4
Life time
Year
20

5
Weight of Heaviest part*
Ton
20

6
Weight of tower*
Ton
20-30




*Note: Towers are manufactured as a lattice tower or a tubular tower. Towers are always manufactured in at least two pieces for assembling at the site. The heaviest part is not weighing more than 20 tons.



Using the measurement of wind data the annual energy production by an 18-MW farm consisting of thirty-600KW turbine will be about 45 million kWh. Taking into account the wind turbine availability, net loses and wake effect in the wind farm, the net annual energy production is estimated 31 million kWh per year, corresponding to a capacity factor of 28%. It is important to note that the wind does not blow all the time. Since typical storage is not possible other fuel sources are used when the wind is not blowing.


Executive Summary



Pakistan Meteorological Department has conducted a detailed Wind Power Potential Survey of Coastal Areas of Pakistan and Ministry of Science and Technology has provided the required funding for this purpose. This study has enabled us to identify the potential areas where economically feasible wind farm can be established. One interesting aspect of this study is that contrary to the general impression, Sindh coastal areas have greater wind power potential than Balochistan coastal areas. Potential areas cover 9700 sq.km in Sindh. The gross wind power potential of this area is 43000 MW and keeping in view the area utilization constrains etc. the exploitable electric power generation potential of this area is estimated to be about 11000MW.



Feasibility study for the installation of 18 MW Model wind power project is prepared. Total cost of the project is estimated to be about Rs. 850 million and the pay back period would be 7-8 years. The levelised cost of power generation is estimated as Rs. 2.9/kwh.


Introduction:
The demand for energy has increased in tremendous proportions in the last few decades in Pakistan; the same is expected to increase further in the coming years. The primary sources of energy available in Pakistan are oil, natural gas, hydro and nuclear Power. At present oil accounts for approximately 45% of total commercial energy supply. The share of natural gas is 34% while that of hydel power remains roughly at 15%. The increase in cost of fossil fuel and the various environmental problems of large scale power generation have lead to increased appreciation of the potential of electricity generation from non-conventional sources. This has provided the planners and economists to find out other low cost energy resources.

Wind and Solar energies are the possible clean and low cost renewable resources available in the country. The potential, for the use of alternative technologies, has never been fully explored in Pakistan. Wind power provides opportunity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel and at the same time expands the power supply capacity to remote locations where grid expansion is not practical.

Recently conducted survey of Wind Power Potential along coastal areas of the country by Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), indicates that a potential exists for harvesting wind energy using currently available technologies, especially along Sindh coast.

Gharo, one of the sites in Sindh where the wind data have been recorded and studied by PMD, has been selected for this feasibility study. The wind measurements at Gharo have been carried out during 24 months period. The annual mean wind speed is estimated to be 6.86m/s at 50 meter above ground level. The annual power density of area is 408.6 W/m2, which bring the site into good category of power potential, which means this area is suitable for large economically viable wind farm.

Using the measured wind data the annual gross energy production by an 18 MW wind farm consisting of thirty – 600 kW turbines will be 45 million kWh. Taking into account the wind turbine availability, net losses and wake effects in the wind farm the net annual energy production is estimated to 31 million kWh per year corresponding to a capacity factor of 28%.

The total investment will be Rs: 850 million and pay back period will be 7-8 years. The capital cost of wind power projects ranges Rs 4 to5 crore per MW. This gives a levelised cost of wind energy generation in the range of Rs: 2.50 to 3.00 per kWh, taking into consideration the fiscal benefits extended by the government.

Wind Power Production
There are two terms to describe basic electricity production.
1. Efficiency,
2. Capacity factor.

Efficiency refers to how much useful energy (electricity, in this case) we can get from an energy source. A 100 percent energy efficient machine would change all the energy put into it into useful energy. It would not waste any energy. There is no such thing as a 100 percent energy efficient machine. Some energy is always lost or wasted when one form of energy is converted to another. The lost energy is usually in the form of heat, which dissipates into the air and cannot be used again economically. How efficient are wind machines? Wind machines are just as efficient as most other plants, such as coal plants. Wind machines convert 30-40 percent of the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. A coal-fired power plant converts about 30-35 percent of the chemical energy in coal into usable electricity.

Capacity refers to the capability of a power plant to produce electricity. A power plant with a 100 percent capacity rating would run all day, every day at full power. There would be no down time for repairs or refueling, an impossible goal for any plant. Coal plants typically have a 75 percent capacity rating since they can run day or night, during any season of the year.

Wind power plants are different from power plants that burn fuel. Wind plants depend on the availability of wind, as well as the speed of the wind. Therefore, wind machines cannot operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A wind turbine at a typical wind farm operates 65-80 percent of the time, but usually at less than full capacity, because the wind speed is not at optimum levels. Therefore, its capacity factor is 30-35 percent. Economics also plays a large part in the capacity of wind machines. Winds machines can be built that have much higher capacity factors, but it is not economical to do so. The decision is based on electricity output per dollar of investment.

Capacity Factor

The annual energy output from a wind turbine is to look at the capacity factor for the turbine in its particular location. By capacity factor we mean its actual annual energy output divided by the theoretical maximum output, if the machine were running at its rated (maximum) power during all of the 8766 hours of the year.

Example: If a 600 kW turbine produces 1.5 million kWh in a year, its capacity factor is = 1500000: (365.25 * 24 * 600) = 1500000: 5259600 = 0.285 = 28.5 per cent.

Capacity factors may theoretically vary from 0 to 100 per cent, but in practice they will usually range from 20 to 70 per cent, and mostly be around 25-30 per cent.

Proposed Map of 18MW Wind Farm Area

A typical wind farm of 30 turbines might extend over an area of 1 square kilometer but only 1 % of the land area would be taken in use, the remainder can be used for purposes such as farming. In this study one square kilometer area is used and 30 wind turbines are proposed to install in the area as shown in the map-1.
<check the links at the top for maps>

Map-1: Schematic Wind Farm Spanned over 1 Km2 Area
Performance

Generally wind farm located in area with good winds and having a typical value of capacity factor i.e. 25% at least are economically viable. A typical life of wind turbine is 20 to 25 years. Maintenance is required at 6 months interval.

The total investment for the proposed project is Rs: 850 million and pay back period 7-8 years. The capital cost of a typical wind power project ranges Rs 4 to5 crore per MW. This gives a levelised cost of wind energy generation in the range of Rs: 2.5 to 3.00 per kWh, taking into consideration the fiscal benefits extended by the government. Different economic aspects of the project are shown in table 4, 5 & 6.

Risks Associated with Investments in Wind Power

i. The returns from investments in this sector are very dependent on government policies, both in terms of the incentives given and the taxation structure imposed on businesses. Hence changes in either are a source of concern to the investors. For example, changes in the tax laws that make all companies liable to pay a minimum tax on their profits, may negatively affect the wind program because it reduces the benefit from the tax shelter that investments here could provide.

ii. The main “fuel” controlling generation in any year is the wind speed. This is beyond the investor’s control: there is always the risk that actual generation in any year could be below the expected level.

iii. Grid availability to evacuate the generated power is an essential requirement. Poor grid availability and reliability are again risks that have to be borne by the investors under the current situation.


Wind Potential Area of Sindh

Total Area of Sindh suitable for wind farms = 9749 km2
Average Capacity Factor of this area in Sindh = 25%
Wind power potential of 18MW Wind Farm on 1 km2 area when Capacity Factor is 25% =18x0.25=4.5 MW
Gross Potential of the area corrosponding to 25%Capacity Factor=9749x 4.5=43871 MW
Exploitable Potential ( 25% of the area) ≈ 11000 MW


Source: Pakistan Meteorological Department

<refer to the link for the image>

Map-2: Wind Potential Area of Sindh



The Benefits of Wind Energy

Wind energy is an ideal renewable energy because:

it is a pollution-free, infinitely sustainable form of energy
it doesn’t require fuel
it doesn’t create greenhouse gasses
it doesn’t produce toxic or radioactive waste.
· Wind energy is quiet and does not present any significant hazard to birds or other wildlife.

· When large arrays of wind turbines are installed on farmland, only about 2% of the land area is required for the wind turbines. The rest is available for farming, livestock, and other uses.

· Landowners often receive payment for the use of their land, which enhances their income and increases the value of the land.

· Ownership of wind turbine generators by individuals and the community allows people to participate directly in the preservation of our environment.

· Each megawatt-hour of electricity that is generated by wind energy helps to reduce 0.8 to 0.9 tones of greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by coal or diesel fuel generation each year.

[MirBadshah]

Very informative, i will join you shortly, keep up.

[maglomanic]

Very informative, i will join you shortly, keep up.

You are most welcome bro

[maglomanic]

MORE RENEWABLE ....MORE!!!!


http://www.brecorder...3...m=&supDate=


9,700 megawatts more through renewable energy by 2030: AEDB
SHAHNAWAZ AKHTER
KARACHI (July 01 2007): National grid would receive additional electricity of 9,700 megawatt (MW) through renewable energy by the year 2030, officials in Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) told Business Recorder on telephone from Islamabad.

It is expected that total electricity needs may touch 162,590 MW after 23 years, as its demand is growing between eight to 12 percent annually in the country.

Officials said the country had 19,522 MW total installed capacity contributed by 12,567 MW thermal (64 percent share), 6,493 MW hydel (33 percent share) and 462 MW nuclear (two percent share).

Currently, renewable energy has no share in the total installed capacity but AEDB has projected that national grid would be able to get 700 MW by 2010 and 9,700 MW sharing five percent of the total demand by 2030, they added. To keep the momentum of economic growth, the government has taken various measures to cater energy demands in the future.

They said that AEDB was established in May 2003 to implement government policies, programmes and projects through private sector in the field of renewable energy.

The AEDB was formed to assist and facilitate development and generation of renewable energy to achieve sustainable economic growth besides facilitating transfer of technology and develop indigenous manufacturing base for Renewable Energy Technology, they said.

The AEDB would facilitate installation of 700 MW of wind energy plant near Gharo, Sindh, by 2010 in addition to developing solar products like solar lights, fans, cooker, geyser etc through private sector. In this regard laws and taxes had been designed to encourage self-energy generation by domestic sector, they apprised.

The AEDB has prepared road map for completion of its projects in phases. The short-term or 'lenient phase' would be completed by June 30, 2008, medium-term or 'consolidation phase' by July 2008 to July 2012 and finally long-term or 'maturity phase' by July 2012 onwards, officials said.

They said that unique features of Renewable Energy Policy 2006, including wind risk/hydro risk, guaranteed electricity purchase, setting up of grid station provision is the responsibility of the purchaser, attractive tariff, no import duties on equipment, zero sales tax, net metering, electricity banking, wheeling provisions and grid spill over concept introduced.

The country has the potential of more than 50,000 MW wind energy. Pakistan has 1,045-kilometre long coastline in the south where average wind speed was recorded at 7 m/s only at Gharo Wind Corridor, officials said. They said the government had given incentives to wind farm investors, providing land at reduced rates for wind energy projects.

The federal government has approved the policy guidelines for tariff determination and National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has offered up front tariff of US cents 9.5/kWh to investors. About the present status of wind projects, the officials said the government had issued letters of intent (LoIs) to 84 investors so far for setting up wind farms of 50 MW each on Built, Operate, Own and Transfer basis.

About 23,645 acres of land has been allotted to 15 investors on sub-leased basis in the general wind corridor, officials said, adding that survey and demarcation of another 10,169 acres of land were under way. Power generation licenses have been issued to five companies, including Green Power, New Park, Milergo, Win Power, Tenaga Generasi.

About tariff negotiation with these companies' officials said that Nepra had offered the upfront tariff of 9.5 cents/KWh, 10.23 US cents/kWh to New Park and Green Power's, respectively. While, Win Power and BEL had filed for tariff petition and Tenaga Generasi was willing to accept 9.5 cents, they said.


Copyright Business Recorder

[maglomanic]

Danda Peer ay Wigryan Tagriyan da <forgive my Punjabi >

Much needed danda for KESC courtesy Shouki

http://www.brecorder...3...m=&supDate=

Electricity crisis: Prime Minister asks KESC to come up with plan
KARACHI (July 01 2007): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday has sought a report in one-week about KESC's plans to meet the energy demands of Karachi. Shaukat Aziz, in a meeting here at the Governor, directed the Water and Power Minister Liaqat Ali Jatoi to review the management of the Karachi Electricity Supply Corporation and the commitments made by it for power generation and installation of new plants.

He also directed the Wapda chairman to hold management audit of the KESC and report in a week about its performance and efficiency, and the work done before summer.

Shaukat Aziz directed the KESC, Wapda and the water and power ministry to improve co-ordination and work swiftly to ease the problems of the people on war-footing. He said the Town Nazims should also co-ordinate with the KESC and provide full security to its staff for carrying out repair and maintenance work.

The prime minister said the KESC should speed up work on improvement and maintenance of its transformers, transmission and distribution system.

KESC Chief Executive Safdar Ibrahim informed the prime minister that of the around 1800 faulty transmission lines 60 percent has been repaired.

About KESC's plans to install new equipment, he said of the 12 planned grid stations, one has been operationalised, two more will be added in July, while nine will start working in March 2008.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Water and Power Minister Liaqat Jatoi, Communication Minister Shamim Siddiqui, National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan and senior government officials.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has also called an emergency meeting with the owners of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) in Islamabad to discuss the issues and commitments of corporation management, says a press release issued here on Saturday.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2007

[MoThSmOkE]

Well i would agree ethanol is the way in certain areas especially manufacturing industry, but 10% blend does cause damage to car engines, thats y no manufacture say no to even 1% blend. But its something we should explore as renewable energy source. Brizil is big example and we can learn from them interm of enthanol.

Civics, corolla engines can take on the ethanol mix here in Bangkok. Certified by the manufacturer.

[PS:Annonymous]

Danda Peer ay Wigryan Tagriyan da <forgive my Punjabi >

Much needed danda for KESC courtesy Shouki

http://www.brecorder...3...m=&supDate=

Electricity crisis: Prime Minister asks KESC to come up with plan
KARACHI (July 01 2007): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday has sought a report in one-week about KESC's plans to meet the energy demands of Karachi. Shaukat Aziz, in a meeting here at the Governor, directed the Water and Power Minister Liaqat Ali Jatoi to review the management of the Karachi Electricity Supply Corporation and the commitments made by it for power generation and installation of new plants.

He also directed the Wapda chairman to hold management audit of the KESC and report in a week about its performance and efficiency, and the work done before summer.

Shaukat Aziz directed the KESC, Wapda and the water and power ministry to improve co-ordination and work swiftly to ease the problems of the people on war-footing. He said the Town Nazims should also co-ordinate with the KESC and provide full security to its staff for carrying out repair and maintenance work.

The prime minister said the KESC should speed up work on improvement and maintenance of its transformers, transmission and distribution system.

KESC Chief Executive Safdar Ibrahim informed the prime minister that of the around 1800 faulty transmission lines 60 percent has been repaired.

About KESC's plans to install new equipment, he said of the 12 planned grid stations, one has been operationalised, two more will be added in July, while nine will start working in March 2008.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Water and Power Minister Liaqat Jatoi, Communication Minister Shamim Siddiqui, National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan and senior government officials.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has also called an emergency meeting with the owners of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) in Islamabad to discuss the issues and commitments of corporation management, says a press release issued here on Saturday.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2007

It is sad to see that Prime minister and President has to step in every thing to inform the people and pakistnai business community what they should be doing next.

I blame these lazy ass, dumb, moronic Public of Pakistan, who is sleeping while the world is moving forward by leaps.

how pethatic it is that Pakistan business community and KSE people dont have any for sights. it should be them who should be going to the government and telling the government how to plan for next 10 years and what are the need and what needs to be done.

Government should stay the hell out of business and mind its Taxes and other fees.

if KSE screws up or any other organization screws up, let them correct their mistakes themselves.

This is our main tragedy, we depend too much on government, we are slave of government. we are so used to the british system and slavery has been deep inside our mind and it has made us so lazy and Dependant. yet we blame fuedal lords, and rich for being poor.

[maglomanic]

It is sad to see that Prime minister and President has to step in every thing to inform the people and pakistnai business community what they should be doing next.

I blame these lazy ass, dumb, moronic Public of Pakistan, who is sleeping while the world is moving forward by leaps.

how pethatic it is that Pakistan business community and KSE people dont have any for sights. it should be them who should be going to the government and telling the government how to plan for next 10 years and what are the need and what needs to be done.

Government should stay the hell out of business and mind its Taxes and other fees.

if KSE screws up or any other organization screws up, let them correct their mistakes themselves.

This is our main tragedy, we depend too much on government, we are slave of government. we are so used to the british system and slavery has been deep inside our mind and it has made us so lazy and Dependant. yet we blame fuedal lords, and rich for being poor.

That is true and this is my understanding of the whole issue.
Govt privatized KESC without penalty clauses. Even though SIEMENS is considered a quality brand name in industry they have taken it too easy. They did open up a couple of shiny new plants (which closed later for "maintenance") and almost no effort on delivery system. I can swear that it's so bad you ll see copper wires on the roads of Karachi (perhaps same else where in Pakistan??) and people die of that. Now there are people who moved Sindh High court and SHC did ask for KESC and everyone to appear and then i havent seen anything after that.

What our people did? Yes what they do the best !! burn and attack KESC
But Psycho i seriously sympatheize with them in this case. It was a Govt's deal they should have done a better job of writing a good agreement. Privatization Commision has bungled more than once (Steel Mills).I can understand they dont want to give wrong impression to investors by being too harsh with the ones who have already invested, but if you look at what SHauki said or even what Mushy said, both these guys have taken stern notice of lack of seriousness on the part of SIEMENS and KESC combo to implement their side of agreement and fulfill promises they made.

It's tragic like you said that we need intervention from the highest level for micromanagement but i don't see anyone sincere and competent enough down the chain when issues like these rise.

[MirBadshah]

It is sad to see that Prime minister and President has to step in every thing to inform the people and pakistnai business community what they should be doing next.

I blame these lazy ass, dumb, moronic Public of Pakistan, who is sleeping while the world is moving forward by leaps.

how pethatic it is that Pakistan business community and KSE people dont have any for sights. it should be them who should be going to the government and telling the government how to plan for next 10 years and what are the need and what needs to be done.

Government should stay the hell out of business and mind its Taxes and other fees.

if KSE screws up or any other organization screws up, let them correct their mistakes themselves.

This is our main tragedy, we depend too much on government, we are slave of government. we are so used to the british system and slavery has been deep inside our mind and it has made us so lazy and Dependant. yet we blame fuedal lords, and rich for being poor.

Even a kid knows that when your economy is growing at rate of 8% per year for last five years, you power needs will grow double of it, when they were privatising WAPDA and KESC, there must have been a comprehensive plan to increase generation but sadly we have not added a single unit of new generation and now when shortage have become a problem we have started seeking reports.

At present to meet with immidiate shortage the only way is coal based generation as we have huge coal reserves and these are suitable for use in power plants, it will take less time in starting production, no extra imports of fuel and cost effective, as such it will help us to meet immidiate shortage without any extra burden on economy of import bill.

Rest of all plans are for long term.

I am still for Hydro power, if we utalise all our power resources, we can generate another 5000 MW of electricity and that much production would be enough for another 30 years even if our economic growth gets higher.

[maglomanic]

Maps for Pakistan and afghanistan's wind/solar resources have been uploaded on the fllowing site. Also includes GIS kit.

http://www.nrel.gov/...s_pakistan.html

[MoThSmOkE]

There is a host of problem, actually.

The national grid is stretched because

- Economy is growing fast
- Rural areas are being electrified en masse

When KESC was privatized its new management pledged that they would increase their capacity (which they have failed to do so). I've heard there are penalty clauses, but not sure. Maybe I am wrong.

Asking sugar mills which produce ethanol as a by-product is a good strategy. Thailand had this problem of relying too much on oil a few years back, when their prudent politicians gave concessions to sugar factories to produce ethanol en masse to be mixed with oil with no negative effect on vehicle engines. Most of the oil used by vehicles now is 10% ethanol mix.

[maglomanic]

http://www.brecorder...3...m=&supDate=

Siemens relieved of KESC distribution system
RECORDER REPORT
KARACHI (July 22 2007): The corporate management of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) on Saturday took over the charge of distribution system from the operation and management contractor, Seimens, due to its poor performance. The decision was made at a meeting of the KESC executive committee, headed by Chief Executive Officer Syed Muhammad Amjad.

Sources said that Chief Operating Officer (COO) Safdar Ibrahim had been appointed Executive Director, Generation and Transmission, while Tanzeem Hussain Naqvi was made Executive Director, Billing System.

Sources revealed that Asif Saddique had been posted as Director, Business Operation, and Jameel Gul Sheikh, Director, Services, had been appointed Director, Distribution. The KESC executive committee abolished the posts of Director, Operation, and Director, Network, which were earlier under the control of Seimens.

PPI adds: Engineer Tanzeem Hussain Naqvi, Executive Director (Business Operations) of KESC, speaking in 'Bil Mushafa' programme of Radio Pakistan, Karachi said that KESC would now embark on a crash program for augmenting the distribution system.

Spelling out short- and long-term plans of the utility company, aimed at overcoming the persistent power crisis in the city, he said that KESC plans to add four new units of 200 mw each, to its power plants, of which, two units have already arrived for Korangi power plant, and the rest would shortly come.

"By next summer, the KESC would be generating additional 700 to 800 mw electricity. In addition to that, work on nine new grid stations would start by next month, while new pole-mounted transformers (PMTs) were also being installed," he said.

According to him, the KESC is short of 1000 mw power that includes 300 mw in its own system and the 700 mw purchased from Wapda. With the addition of four units to its existing power plants and generation of 700 to 800 mw electricity by next summer, the KESC could provide great relief to the citizens, he added. In reply to a question, the KESC official said it was estimated that electricity demand in the city would increase by 150 mw in a year.

He said that laying of underground power cables was an on going process and so far it had been laid in major part of the city. He said that the power crisis in Karachi worsened due to saturated distribution system that could not bear overloading.

"No new power generation plants were installed in the past to meet later requirements that increased at least by 7 percent annually. The grid stations, transformers and power cables also became obsolete. Tanzeem said that KESC plans to install electronic meters at industrial and commercial concerns to halt power theft.

According to him, 58,000 three-phase and 200,000 single-phase commercial meters are to be replaced for this purpose. The number of industrial concerns where the meters would be replaced is hardly 10,000 to 12,000, he added. He said that Sindh government departments owe over Rs 6 billion on account of electricity bills including Rs 3.5 billion arrears only to Karachi Water & Sewerage Board.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2007



Copyright Pakistan Press International, 2007

[maglomanic]

MORE HYDEL


http://www.brecorder...4...m=&supDate=

Work on five hydel power stations to start by year-end
LAHORE (July 22 2007): Construction work on five hydel power stations will commence by the end of this fiscal year, and the project will cost a total of four billion rupees, of which 80 percent funds will be met with the assistance of Asian Development Bank and the remaining to be borne by the Punjab government.

This was stated by Punjab Minister for Power Chaudhry Armghan Subhani, while presiding over a department's meeting at his office here on Saturday, according to a handout. Chief Engineer Power Muhammad Yaqoob, In-charge Reconciliation Cell Iftikhar Ahmad Randhawa, Director Technical Rahat Khan and REDP Project Manager Liaqat Ali Iqbal were also present.

The minister observed that electricity was the backbone of all development efforts, and the government was committed to facilitate the people and all national sectors in this regard. The projects will be constructed at Marala, Chianwali, Deg Outfall, Okara and Pakpattan.

Elaborating on the cost break-up of the hydro power projects, he disclosed that Rs 110.2 million would be spent on preliminary work, Rs 1.07 billion on civil works, Rs 1.37 billion for hydro mechanical equipment, Rs 142.6 million for electrical equipment, Rs 12.6 million on transmission lines, Rs 81.1 million for physical contingencies, Rs 135.2 million for engineering supervision, Rs 40.5 million for administration, audit and accounts, Rs 40.7 million for duties and taxes, Rs 133.2 million for price contingencies, Rs 110 million for feasibility study of five additional sites, Rs 169.8 million for capacity building and Rs 586.4 million for interest during construction.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2007

[arham]

.

if sugar is used to produce electricity , then it would have an adverse impact on the domestic prices of sugar

this will cause inflatoin to rise. thereby hurting the economy.

i think that SOLAR power is the way forward

the southern parts of Pakistan has huge potential for solar power.


.

[Tarbela]

I think Solar power ( solar panels ) is little bet expensive in Pakistan, but Wind energy will find its way in coastal areas.

[MoThSmOkE]

if sugar is used to produce electricity , then it would have an adverse impact on the domestic prices of sugar

this will cause inflatoin to rise. thereby hurting the economy.

i think that SOLAR power is the way forward

the southern parts of Pakistan has huge potential for solar power.

No reason to worry.

There would be more factories setup to produce ethanol, that will in turn give jobs to thousands of people.

Solar power is still expensive. Windpower along the coast of Sindh/Balochistan has great potential.

[maglomanic]

This is the way to go. Should be implemented in Urban areas as well. But rural should be the first priority.

http://www.brecorder...8...m=&supDate=

AEDB starts electrifying 100 Sindh villages
ZAHEER ABBASI
ISLAMABAD (July 26 2007): The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has started implementing a project to electrify 100 remote villages of Sindh through renewable energy, it is learnt on Wednesday. Sources said the government had tasked the AEDB to provide electricity to 7,874 remote villages in Sindh and Balochistan, which were located 20-km away from the national grid.

The water and power ministry had identified these villages contending that Wapda was unable to provide power either because of distance or less density of population, they added.

Initially, 400 villages (about 30,000 houses), 300 in Balochistan and 100 in Sindh would be electrified. The photo voltaic (PV) solar panels will be used in providing single home systems to the villages on monthly charges of Rs 250.

Each village would also be provided with central water pumping and purification system for clean drinking water. Village mosques, schools and public buildings such as dispensaries would also receive the solar home systems.

The electrification of the 400 villages would require about Rs 1 billion. However, the allocation of funds is being provided in phases. Initially, Rs 100 million has been allocated in FY07 for 100 villages of Sindh where the work has been started, an additional Rs 680 million is expected in the current financial year for starting work in Balochistan concurrently.

When contacted, Mujahid Sadiq, DG (International Co-operation) said the AEDB has been striving to provide electricity to over 300 villages in Balochistan and 100 villages in Sindh through solar energy. The cost of this project is being met through Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). He said the PC-I has been approved, while the funding is awaited initiating the project.

He said t the AEDB had provided electricity through its demonstration projects in all the provinces. The government has also selected people from village community and imparted them training to maintain the system, he added.

He said that technology was not difficult as electricity could be provided for 20-year through this system and regular maintenance was required.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

[maglomanic]

These swines are known for their ineptitude and corruption, yet it does not stop them creating hurdles in any kind of progress and they come up with these novel ideas. WAPDA needs to be b!tchslapped and introduced to the concepts of efficiency and aptitude or even better, disband these morons



http://www.brecorder...5...m=&supDate=



Thar power plants: Chinese group willing to re-start work

FARHAN ZAFAR
KARACHI (August 10 2007): Shenhua Group of China, which had abandoned the coal-based power project in due to disagreement on power tariff, has again shown interest in setting up two power plants of 350 MW each in Thar.

Sources in Sindh Mines and Mineral Department told Business Recorder here on Thursday that Shenhua Group had sent a green signal that in case of finalisation of agreed tariff rates, it could re-start work on the project. They said ministry, too, wanted the Chinese group to resume the work on the two power plants at the earliest.

This would not only provide much needed 700 MW power to the electricity-deficient areas, but would also save a huge amount of money already spent on feasibility and other works, they said. The other option, which is under consideration, was to resume work on the two power plants by handing them over to newly established Coal Mining Company, which was under the administration of the Federal government, said the sources.

The most viable option, available to the government - Shenhua Group and Coal Mining Company - would be chosen after consultation with the Federal and provincial authorities. It may be pointed out that Shenhua Group started work on Thar coalfield in 2002. It spent over 100 million dollars to conduct two investigation studies about the viability of the project, the sources said.

"After concluding its investigation and preparation of a feasibility report, the group was all set to construct the proposed power plants, but the crucial issue of tariff rate on power generation halted the project," said the sources.

The Mines and Mineral Department sources revealed that the group had stopped work in 2004 prior to the official announcement, which was made in the 2007. The group officials had left the project, but negotiations on tariff rates continued and finally Shenhua announced to abandon the project.

Earlier, Sindh Mines and Mineral Development Minister Irfanullah Khan Marwat held Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) responsible for withdrawal of Shenhua from coal-based power projects in Thar.

He said the tariff rate was already decided with Shenhua at 5.67 cents per kilowatt hour (KWH), but Wapda disagreed with the rate and revised it unilaterally at 5.39 cents per KWH, compelling the group to leave the project.

It is hoped that Shenhua might re-start work on the project when the committee, set up by President Pervez Musharraf, comprising Irfanullah Marwat and Mukhtar Ahmed of National Electricity Power Authority (Nepra), would finalise the recommendations of tariff rate on coal-based power projects.

Had the Wapda accepted 5.67 cents per KWH rates and not insisted on its revised rate of 5.39 cents per KWH, then it would have been cheaper, sources said. The said that at present the most reasonable tariff rate would be between eight and 10 cents per KWH, which was far higher than the previously decided rates.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

[maglomanic]

ADB to provide $350 million for renewable energy development

RECORDER REPORT
FAISALABAD (August 28 2007): Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $350 million for Renewable Energy Development - Project II and III to develop indigenous, non-polluting, and renewable sources of energy to help meet Pakistan's power shortage and diversify the power sources. It will also improve the quality of the power system, especially in rural areas.

According to ADB sources, total investments (first phase) requirement for Renewable Energy (RE) development to reach 3.5 percent target by 2015 is estimated as $2.2 billion. The proposed facility will cover up to $510 million. The rest will have to be found from various sources such as private sector, multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies, or through public-private partnership.

http://www.brecorder...9...m=&supDate=

[maglomanic]

http://www.brecorder...0...m=&supDate=

Coal reserves: US firm starts $5 billion methane gas project
FARHAN ZAFAR
KARACHI (September 08 2007): A US-Canadian company, 'Soneri', has started work on $5 billion project for discovery of coal-bed methane gas under the layers of coal reserves in Sindh, Business Recorder learnt here on Friday.

Sindh cabinet on December 24, 2006 gave approval, in principle, to an agreement for exploration of methane gas in coal reserves in the province, according to Sindh Mines & Mineral Development Department. An MoU in this regard was signed with Soneri on November 27, 2006 during the US visit of President Pervez Musharraf.

The company started survey of coal reserves for which special aircraft of Marine Corps of United States were used as traditional aircraft could not determine the availability of methane gas. The company would drill 400 to 600 holes at every coal reserve which would then be connected through modern system.

In the first phase, the company has planned to make investment of $5 billion. At present, there exists no law with regard to gas discovery. Therefore, Sindh government has made some rules. However, before their enforcement, the provincial cabinet would carry out scrutiny so that no legal hitch remains in the project.

In this regard a committee has been formed comprising Secretaries of Law, Mines and Mineral Development, Finance and Industries, which has been directed to carry out vetting of the rules and submit its report. According to an estimate, there are 25 trillion cubic feet methane gas reserves in the province.

This gas can be used as piped, and also be converted into petrol or diesel and used in the production of chemicals. Sources said that the company is responsible to bring in entire equipment for gas exploration, and Sindh government could levy excise and other taxes, which previously was the subject of federal government.


Copyright Business Recorder

[maglomanic]

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Renewable energy development: $510 million ADB loan agreement signed
RECORDER REPORT
FAISALABAD (October 06 2007): Pakistan on Friday signed an agreement with Asian Development Bank for a $510 million multi-tranche loan for the development of renewable energy. The program is the first of its kind in Pakistan, and is one of the first to be developed under ADB's evolving clean energy and efficiency initiative.

Pakistan's energy supplies are highly dependent on oil imports, the cost of which accounts for a large share of the country's total import bill. In addition, demand for power is outstripping supply. Electricity needs are projected to reach 162,590 megawatts (MW) by 2030, from 15,000 MW in 2005.

While thermal power (coal, oil, and gas) is expected to meet much of the future demand, there is enormous scope for more environment-friendly options. Renewable energy accounts for only 180 MW of Pakistan's present power output. The first project under the loan will finance a set of small to medium hydropower plants in Northwest Frontier Province and Punjab.

The governments of Northwest Frontier Province and Punjab expect to borrow up to $180 million and $150 million, respectively, to fund renewable energy projects. Other provinces can request funding for renewable energy projects totalling $170 million.

The program will expand Pakistan's power supply, especially in rural areas, to serve about 600,000 new domestic connections for 4.8 million people. It will also improve reliability and quality of supply.

"Small to medium-sized hydropower plants offer the greatest renewable energy potential for Pakistan, while possibilities also exist in promoting greater use of wind, solar, and biomass power," said Peter Fedon, ADB's Country Director for Pakistan.

"Investment in such renewable energy options would not only be beneficial to Pakistan's energy security, but would also boost social equity, lead to a cleaner environment, and make good economic sense."

The loan and project agreements for the Renewable Energy Development Sector Investment Program were signed on Friday by Akram Malik, Secretary, Economic Affairs Division, Peter Fedon, ADB's Country Director for Pakistan, Arif Nadeem, Punjab Secretary Irrigation and Power, Khalid Gilani, Irrigation and Power Secretary for North West Frontier Province, and Ishtiaq Shah, Chief Executive of Sarhad Hydel Development Organisation (Shydo).

The loan will have a life of 10 years--to 2017. The Alternative Energy Development Board is the executing agency for the Renewable Energy Development Sector Investment Program at the federal level. At the provincial level, the program will be executed via special purpose implementing agencies such as Irrigation and Power Departments.

Power and energy, together with transport connectivity and water, are major constraints in Pakistan to achieving the kind of high economic growth that can benefit the poor. Under its clean energy and efficiency initiative, ADB is planning to expand energy efficiency operations in its developing member countries to $1 billion per year.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

[maglomanic]

http://www.brecorder...6...m=&supDate=

50,000 homes to be electrified with Rs 50 million 'Solar Homes' plan
KHALID ABBAS SAIF

FAISALABAD (October 13 2007): The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has prepared a 'Solar Homes' programme, which will be implemented at a total cost of Rs 50.35 million, while research on development of one kw fuel cell vehicle in the country will be implemented at a cost of Rs 4.03 million.

Under this plan, more than 54,000 homes will be electrified through wind and solar sources by 2010. According to official sources, Pakistan has not so far used its solar potential to save on conventional energy, although its central and southern parts can be used for solar thermal power plants in addition to water/home heating in the north where gas is currently used for heating purposes.

The solar potential can be gauged from Jacobabad in southern parts, which is an excellent location for solar energy, as it receives 2,142 kWh solar irradiation/square metre/year, which works out at 230 KWh /m2/year.

Despite the high generation cost of solar power at present, the mid-term prospects are promising due to the expected technological improvements and economics of mass production of PVs. Recent developments point to nearly 41 percent efficiency of sunlight conversion, which could reduce the cost of generation to the order of 8 - 10 cents per unit, (as in oil-based plants).

Furthermore, the AEDB has also prepared a plan to establish a demonstration unit for solar thermal power plants technologies at an estimated cost of Rs 39.8 million. Solar Water Pumping and Desalination Unit will be established at an estimated cost of Rs 33.040 million.

For several years, official sources said, climate change has been attributed to human activity and the resulting emission of greenhouse gases (IPCC, 2007). Consequently, there has been growing focus on alternative forms of energy.

The contribution of alternative energy in the overall energy mix in Pakistan is negligible at present. However, the first wind farms are in the implementation stage. These projects will be eligible for carbon credits to reduce the tariff.

The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has been established to facilitate development of renewable energy projects. At least 5 percent of the total electricity generating capacity of the country (ie 9,700 MW) is targeted to be based on these sources by the year 2030. AEDB would also develop and implement off-grid electrification programme for rural areas. In addition, under the remote village electrification programme, the first 400 villages (54,000 homes) will be electrified through wind and solar sources by2010.

Since 2001, global wind capacity has nearly doubled to 47,760 megawatts and is cheaper than natural gas even without subsidies. On good sites, wind is even closing in on coal. The world's global sales of wind power equipment are projected to reach $49 billion a year by 2012. The global wind industry now employs well over 100,000 people, and Germany alone expects to have more than 100,000 wind energy related jobs by 2010.

Pakistan has some excellent sites to exploit wind energy. A section of the coastal area of Sindh has been identified as having wind power potential of 50,000 MW. The annual average wind speed, at 50 metre height, at Gharo, Mirpursakro and Talhar sites in Sindh is 6.5 metre/second and the capacity factors for wind turbines at these sites are estimated to be in the range of 23 to 28 percent.

With improved site studies, wider wind mapping, better project planning, R&D and learning cost of wind energy projects can be reduced to acceptable levels of around 6 cents/kWh, and even below.

Wind energy has the disadvantage of being intermittent, but it is ideal for 'pump storage' whereby it can be used for pumping water back into a reservoir of, say a hydropower plant, during periods of lean use.

Official sources said that many new technologies and sources of energy are currently being investigated. As part of Vision 2030, the development of such systems will need to be completed as a matter of priority in order to meet the looming oil crunch. In all cases, the true costs will need to be worked out for all competing forms of present and future energy--coal and its derivatives (health costs), hydroelectric plants in the Northern Areas (contribution to and danger from seismic activity), nuclear (waste handling, de-commissioning, and availability of fissionable material), solar cells (monopolies, and toxic wastes from production), fuel cells (secondary source costs), wind energy (low availability and storage issues which it shares with solar), fusion (time factor), ethanol (more sugarcane/biomass).


Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

[maglomanic]

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Pak-China talks on renewable energy next week
BEIJING (October 19 2007): A delegation of Ministry of Science and Technology is due here next week to hold negotiations with Chinese officials in the field of renewable energy.

A Senior Official in the Pakistan Mission told the APP that the five-member delegation led by Secretary Science and Technology Pervez Butt would hold negotiations with Chinese officials to finalise co-operation for establishment of Solar Wafer production line in Pakistan.

Pervez Butt during his visit to Beijing in April last, had held negotiations with Professor Ren Bengyan of the JingLong Group and expressed the desire to establishing the Wafer production line in Pakistan.

Professor Ren had also visited Pakistan in May last. It is also expected that the delegation would sign two agreements including one for co-operation in setting up Solar Wafer fabrication line in Pakistan Council for Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET) with JingLong Group of Hebei.

The second agreement to be signed relates to Pak-China joint expedition for Antarctica. Three members of the delegation are scheduled to arrive here on October 22, while Secretary Pervez Butt and Mohammad Javed Iqbal would join on October 26.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2007

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AEDB to set up 18 megawatts wind farm in Gharo

FARHAN ZAFAR
KARACHI (October 21 2007): Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB), Sindh will set up an 18 Mega Watt wind farm for power generation through wind in Gharo at an estimated cost of 14.18 million dollar, Business Recorder learnt here on Saturday.

The feasibility report for the installation of 18 MW wind power project in Gharo, has already been prepared by Pakistan Meteorological Department, sources in Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) said. They said that the payback period timing of the total investment made on the project was estimated at around 7-8 years.

"The power generated through wind turbines would cost Rs 2.5 to 3 per Kilowatt Hour which is very cheap," they said and added that the project would be first step towards generating electricity through alternative ways.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has recently conducted a detailed Wind Power Potential Survey along the coastal areas of the country and Ministry of Science and Technology provided the funding for it. The study has enabled us to identify the potential areas where economically feasible wind farms could be established to generate power, they added.

One interesting aspect of the survey is that contrary to general impression, Sindh coastal areas have more potential than Balochistan coastal areas, they said. "In Sindh potential areas spread over 9,700 Kilometres where wind farms could be established for power generation."

In Gharo, where 18 MW wind farm would be set up, PMD collected wind data and recorded air measurements during the last 24 months. The annual wind speed is estimated to be 6.8 m/s at 50 meters above the ground level while aerial density is 608.6 W/m, which means that the area is in category of good power potential and economically feasible wind farm could be set up there.

Using the measured wind data, the 18 MW wind farm comprising thirty 600-k turbines will have net power generation capacity of 31 million kWh per year corresponding to capacity factor of 28 percent. After the payback period, the financial benefits would be extended to the government besides saving its huge amount on purchasing electricity generated through oil, sources said.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

[Umair T]

Govt to promote coal as alternate energy source
* Coal policy aims to attract FDI in the sector to rid the economy of expensive oil burden

ISLAMABAD: A National Coal Policy of Pakistan is under-preparation by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources that aims to attract much needed foreign direct investment in transfer of technology and alternate energy source through coal reserves in Sindh.

An official of the ministry told Daily Times on Saturday, “the step is being taken to shield the economy from the adverse effects of surging oil prices (currently at $90 per barrel) in the future.”

The government has allocated Rs 23 million for policy preparation and consultation with stakeholders, in the Public Sector Development Programme for this fiscal year.

The ministry has also decided to establish Thar Coal Mining Company and has allocated Rs 241 million for this purpose.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has already approved initial feasibility study on gasification of Thar coal with an allocation of Rs 126.649 million and work on this study is being finalised.

According to a study initiated by the Sindh Coal Authority, the Thar coal deposits are sufficient to meet fuel requirements of the country for centuries and would generate about 100,000 mega watt (MW) of electricity. Only 200 million tonnes Thar coal (lignite) can produce 1000 MW electricity power up to 40 years in the country. In Pakistan, share of coal in energy mix during decades has declined from 68 percent to 35 percent and specifically 5 percent in 2002 due to the increase share of natural gas and cheaper oil in the power generation of the country.

Presently the scenario has changed, gas reserves of the country are depleting and continue to deplete as it has other important uses, such as fertiliser and other. Oil reserves of the country are limited with high cost of production, which is increasing day by day and would continue to increase in foreign exchange with uncertain conditions.

Renewable energy such as wind and solar produce high cost energy. Nuclear energy requires public acceptance with safety issues and disposal of waste cycle. Hydel power generation is seasonal with environmental problems and displacement of population and rehabilitation. New power plants on coal are to be installed on affordable cost.

The government is emphasising on development thermal power generation on indigenous resources, including coal (lignite) for power generation and other industrial use keeping in view some important factors.

Elaborating these factors, the study reveals that, share of coal in country’s energy mix is to be increased at least 19 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by year 2050. Sindh lignite reserves are huge and suitable for power generation as compared to lignite being sued in the world for electricity generation. It is a cheap dependable energy source and would meet countries energy requirements for centuries.

Thar coalfield is spread over an area of 9000 sq kilometer, which consists over 175 billion tonnes with proved coal reserves over 12 billion tonnes of six delineated blocks over an area of 500-kilo metres.
Indigenous resources are free from uncertainties of fuel supply and associated danger of dictation of oil prices by oil suppliers. Coal drive much of current global economic development and providing 23 percent of global primary energy needs and generates about 39 percent of the world energy. Global primary coal consumption would rise at an average annual rate of 1.4 percent up to 2030. In all regions, coal use would become increasingly concentrated in power generation, which would account for almost 90 percent of the increase in demand during 2000 to 2030, according to World Energy Outlook 2002.

Coal is to play integral role in the economic development of many countries and it can play a major role in addressing sustainable development in the filed of economic, social and environment. Pakistan coals are mostly lignite and Thar coal (lignite) with proved reserves of 12 billion tonnes has over burden ratio 5 to 7, which can be economically mined. Clean coal technology is available, which has made possible to use lignite with zero emission.
Thar Coalfield: Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP), discovered huge deposits of coals in 1992 at Thar during the research program, assisted by United States Geological Survey (USGS). Spread over an area of more than 9000 square kilometres with dimensions of 140 kilometres north south and 65 kilometres in the east-west possess 175.506 billion tonnes of coal.

Coal mining cost suggested by coal feasibility studies conducted in 1994 at Thar by John T. Boyd of United States, revealed that in case of annual production comes to 2.5 million tonnes, the estimated realisation cost would be $88 per tonne. Incase of the annual production comes to 3.5 million tonnes the estimated realisation cost to be $68.50 per tonne and if the production level comes to 7 million tonnes annually the estimated cost would come down to $40.60 per tonne. Another study done by RWE of Germany in the year 2003 highlighted that 6 million tonnes of annual production with shovel trucks, the estimated realisation cost to be $36.50 per tonne and electricity generation value to be 6.9 cents per KW/h. Same production level is achieved with bucket wheal excavator the estimated realisation cost to be $42.50 per ton with specific value US Cents 7.18 KW/h.
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[Umair T]

13 private power projects by 2010

ISLAMABAD, Oct 26: Thirteen private power projects with a total generation capacity of 2,456 megawatts will be commissioned by the year 2010.

This was announced at the 74th meeting of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) here on Friday. Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi presided over the meeting.

According to a press release, 554 MW will be available to the national grid by next year and 1,343 MW and 559 MW will be injected into the system in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

Mr Jatoi said that local and foreign investors were taking keen interest in the power sector.

The meeting was informed that the PPIB was processing 62 multiple fuel (oil, coal, gas and hydel-power) projects of a cumulative capacity of 16,790 MW which were expected to be commissioned between 2008 and 2016.

Letters of interest (LoIs) were issued to 33 projects with a cumulative capacity of 9,276 MW, letters of support (LoSs) to 14 projects totalling 2,590 MW and implementation agreements (IAs) were signed with 10 projects of 2,026 MW.

The parties with which implementation agreements have been signed are: 225 MW Orient Power, 225 MW Sapphire Power, 225 MW Saif Power, 165 MW Attock Gen, 202 MW Fauji Mari, 200 MW Nishat Chunian, 200 MW Nishat Power, 225 MW Atlas Power, 134 MW Star Power and 225 MW Halmore Power. IAs of 227 MW Engro Power and 179 MW Gulf Power are ready for signing.
A number of companies have also concluded direct implementation agreements with lenders.

The meeting was informed that the IA had also been signed with the New Bong for a 84 MW hydel-power project, which will pave way for 21 other hydropower projects being processed by the PPIB.
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AEDB selects 150 villages to supply water

ISLAMABAD (November 05 2007): Pakistan Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has selected 150 villages in Tharparkar district of Sindh province to supply water under the framework of solar electrification of remote villages. The project titled 'Sustainable Development of Utility Scale Wind Power Production' is being initiated in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme.
The villages selected in first phase for the feasibility study in Sindh are located in talukas of Chachro, Diplo, Nangarparkar and Mithi.

"The feasibility study of the project would be launched within next few weeks and work on the project is expected to get underway in the first quarter of 2008," an official of the AEDB told APP. He said that after completion of feasibility report the local communities would be involved to identify their water needs.

"Each water supply point will be set up at maximum distance of half kilometre from the target houses," he elaborated. It has been proposed that minimum quantity of 25 litres water per person will be provided in a day. "The quality of water would be maintained as per standards set by World Health Organisation," he added.


Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2007