A highlight of Energy deficiency in Pakistan and optimum innovative methods for its recovery

Energy is the primary and most important factors determining the economic condition of a country. There is a close link between the availability of energy and the future growth of a nation, as energy development is an integral part of sustainable economic growth. Pakistan economy has been crippled seriously due to an unprecedented energy crisis, terrorism and bad governance. While each has its own implication, I would discuss about the very first issue at hand- The Energy crisis. The worsening situation can be attributed to a lack of strategic approach in effectively managing available resources and a prudent distribution country-wise. The natural gas sector is of utmost importance in this regard. Fulfilling shortsighted goals, benefitting certain individuals and groups, and placement of incompetent authority, over utilization of resources all have played an equal role in worsening the gas crises in the country. Henceforth we need to develop a long term plan, as slow and steady wins the race but the nation needs to be persistent in this regard. The experts and the concerned authority need to look into alternate resources for filling this pit which has created havoc across the country. One solution might be to use the shale gas resources as an alternate, in conjunction with improving present distribution mechanism for the natural gas.   

Currently we are suffering from an energy shortfall of 2.3 BCF (Billion cubic feet) and the energy demand is expected to increase further by 245% until 2022, as compared to 2008. With continuous consumption of known reserves there is a pressing need to find new energy reserves. With total known reserves of 52 TCF (Trillion cubic feet), Pakistan is left with only 23 TCF as of 2015. It is estimated that they will last for 6-7 years with a daily average oil production of 385000 barrels/day. (Source: Economic survey of Pakistan 2010). Note that the still 85% of the needs are met through foreign imports. In this scenario, alternative gas resources, such as shale gas, tight gas and coal bed methane, are the avenues open for discovery.

According to EIA (Energy international agency) international estimates, Pakistan’s total risked gas in place is 2006 TCF and 9 billion barrels of oil while its technically active shale reserves are 51 TCF. It is interesting to compare these numbers, with the Sui gas serving the energy needs of Pakistan for decades, and having an estimated original recoverable reserve of 12 TCF. However, efforts to produce this potential resource have been lacking perhaps due to the economic and technological challenges.

Read more...