‘Shifting to alternative energy resources needed’

LAHORE: Pakistan should also avail of full benefits from its indigenous resources for power generation such as coal, solar, wind and hydro electric.

This was stated by LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder, while speaking at an experts conference on “Economical Fuels for Power Plants in Industries” at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said that there is a dire need to shift to alternative energy resources, as conventional resources are not only failed to fulfill the rising energy demand, but also one of the biggest reasons of trade deficit.

He said that dependence on thermal resources could cause huge damage to the economy if an oil price rises again in the international market.

Modern technology has made it possible to use all types of coal for power generation; therefore, immediate measures are the need of the hour, he said.

"It is high time to adopt alternative energy solutions to address the shortage of energy in our country. Solar and wind energy are the best options, but their high cost factor is hindering most of us," the LCCI senior vice president added.

Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Sher Ali Khan said that the Punjab government is focusing on alternative energy resources.

He said that the government is spending sufficient amount of energy and resources for the promotion of alternative energy resources.

Chairman of the Standing Committee Mian Fazal Ahmad said that keeping in view the rising energy demand, it is highly imperative to use cheaper fuels and indigenous coal for long-term benefits to the national economy.