Environmental pollution is a pressing issue, not just for one country but for the whole world. Production of energy by burning fossil fuels in thermal and coal power plants are some of the main causes of this phenomenon.
Fortunately, the trend of producing clean and renewable energy in Sindh has picked up the pace over the last couple of decades. In Pakistan, especially in Sindh, there are vast sandy plains that experience a lot of sunlight and flow of winds all year round. This feature has made many environmentalists and stakeholders think about the potential this province holds to produce clean energy of its own.
The government is reportedly planning to light up homes with the help of wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy in Sindh that is produced with the help of cleaner and greener methods. Once implemented, these measures would ultimately reduce the environmental and industrial waste produced by conventional power stations that generate electricity with coal and other forms of fossil fuels.
Establishment of Grid Company for Wind Energy Projects
The government of Sindh has planned and announced to set up its very own grid company with the help of public private partnership mode. According to Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, this company is going to be an integral part of the local government’s energy policy, which is being pursued to effectively make use of renewable energy in Sindh. Currently, there are over 20 wind energy projects functioning in the Gharo-Jhimpir wind corridor. However, the concerned authorities have planned to launch dozens more wind energy projects in the coming years as part of the future grid company mentioned above. To serve this purpose, the state has already reserved land spanning over thousands of acres.
World Bank Funding For Sindh Solar Energy Projects
Owing to high production costs, the World Bank has signed an agreement worth a hundred million US dollars with the Sindh government for the establishment of “Sindh Solar Energy Project” in the province. Globally, solar power has become one of the most popular renewable energy resources to cut down the emission of harmful gases in the environment. Sindh has also joined the race of going green as the project will include the development of many solar parks, setting up of Photovoltaic system (PV) systems at public sector buildings and in their surrounding areas. Hyderabad, Karachi and other important districts of Sindh will play a significant role to help utilize clean energy on a wide scale. This project is expected to introduce international practices in Pakistan in terms of the effective use of solar energy. It will also focus on the development and awareness of the solar PV experience in individual households.
Sindh Plans to Power Thousands of Households with Renewable Energy
Along with the development and planning of mega projects, efforts on small scale are also underway. The Department of Energy has plans to convert Sindh into an energy efficient province with the utilization of clean and green sources for power generation. To fulfil this purpose, the authorities have decided to install small scale wind, solar and bio-gas plants across the rural areas of Sindh. All these steps have been taken by the provincial government to provide energy to thousands of households that have not been included in the national power grid. Workshops to spread the awareness regarding the use of renewable energy in Sindh have also been conducted and will be planned in the future with the help of the World Bank and other international organizations.
Utilization of Waste Energy
The decision of setting up waste energy projects is a significant move by the chief minister for using alternative energy sources. To get started with the process, the Solid Waste Management Authority (SMWA) has already been given directives: to devise a policy regarding waste handover. Karachi is a megacity that produces thousands of tons of garbage on a daily basis; it can be enough to generate 250 MW of electricity. The blueprint of these waste energy projects includes a power plant near a landfill site. The phenomenon of converting solid waste into electrical energy will also help reduce environmental pollution that is increasing every day due to insufficient dumping. It is a very effective way of making use of renewable energy in Sindh.
Don’t expect things to change overnight
Patience is key when it comes to projects of such magnitude. The concerned authorities and international organizations are actively engaged in the development of renewable sources of energy. While it’s true that the entire country, especially the rural areas of Sindh, is facing a power generation crisis, it’s a relief to see provincial governments are willing to start somewhere.
