Dawood Group plans solar tube wells for agri sector

KARACHI: Reon Energy Limited, a part of Dawood Hercules Corporation, has planned solar tube well solutions for the agriculture sector, Inam-ur-Rehman, CEO of Reon said.
“The solar tube well is an effective tool to mitigate exorbitant diesel costs and operate in a pollution free atmosphere,” he said.
He did not disclose the quantum of investment in this regard. However, sources said assistance of some global agency might be sought in this regard.
The energy mix in the country is skewed towards imported resources as well as depleting domestic energy pipeline, which is unsustainable because of energy security issues, lack of control on costs, and fuel supply matters.
“However, there is an opportunity to pursue renewable options for a cleaner, affordable and sustainable energy of the future, and solar is favourable,” Rehman said talking to The News on Saturday.
Forty years ago, Pakistan’s energy mix was roughly 70 percent hydroelectricity and 30 percent thermal power. It stands reversed now — at 33 percent hydro-electricity and 61 percent thermal power. Out of the latter, 21 percent electricity is produced with gas and 40 percent with furnace oil, which is one of the costliest possible inputs.
Inam said solar power was an effective solution for producing electricity using the unlimited potential of the sun, while significantly reducing dependence on conventional mediums of energy.
Backup batteries help overcome the system’s downtime, in absence of sunlight. Other than the capital expenditure at the beginning of the project, unrestricted electricity can be utilized throughout the life.
In addition to being economically beneficial, solar offers tremendous environmental gains to the community, Inam said.
Reon provides solar solutions for Wah Nobel, Wah Medical, TCF School, Telecom Tower, and Help NGO. Installations of these systems have resulted in a marked increase in energy efficiency.
“From time to time, Reon has also partnered with local and international organizations to bring solar and biogas solutions to the masses,” Inam added.