Energy crisis

Pakistan needs to set up either micro hydel dams (less than 100KW) or run-of-the river (ROR) dams to meet the energy needs. At present, the country is facing the worst energy crisis. The water storage capacity at Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam has reduced to 35 percent and 25 percent respectively. This is because of sedimentation. which has resulted in reduction in   hydel energy. This shortfall has also affected the production of energy, In order to combat this issue, ROR dams must be preferred since these dams can built on any tributary of river where a dam can be constructed to store water. The estimated cost will be $0.07KWh per unit.

The chairman of Wapda and the federal minister of water and power are requested to look into this proposal and implement the same to meet the urgent energy needs. Reliance on mega dams is not recommended since they would take more than five to six years – subject to the availability of funds – to get built. Meeting energy needs through solar and wind mill energy is a distanced dream as no significant efforts have been made in this context. The above-mentioned are the only viable options left for the government.

Engr Riaz Akbar

Wah Cantt