Download Current practices and challenges in utilization of coal in Pakistan

Current Practices and Challenges in Utilization of Coal in Pakistan
M. Tayyeb Javed*, M. Jabeen¤, W. Nimmo#
* Department of Chemical Engineering, PIEAS, Nilore, Islamabad, PK
¤ Government Degree College (W) Haveli Lakha, Okara, Punjab, PK
# Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Abstract for oral presentation:
Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis for many years. Despite various efforts there
are still many challenges to over for utilization of coal for power generation. A number of
efforts are made in developing knowledge base in this specific sector.
Over past few years a significant work is done specifically in developing effective
networks of the professionals working in mining sector and combustion technology. In 2012
a conference titled UK Pakistan Coal Conference was organized in which thirty five
presentations were made including fifteen keynote lectures from experts from both Pakistan
and UK. During past few years a number scientific activities are managed at Pakistan that
has helped in building a professional network of the people working in coal sector.
Despite development of good partnerships between the universities and organization
in Pakistan and UK there are still multiple changes to use vast resources on coal typically in
Thar area. Moreover an idealistic power tariff, lower financial recovery and failure of the
government to manage its subsidies mechanism is leading to a stern “circular debt” issue.
This is flattering a barrier for future energy sector investment in Pakistan. It is estimated that
Thar coal utilization can save $ 4.0 billion dollars annually by dropping cost on oil import. It
is further reported that power generation using coal cost Rs 5.67 per kWh while its cost Rs
9.27 per kWh if using oil.
In this paper current state of the art in utilization of coal in the energy sector is
presented and challenges are identified.
Keywords: Thar coal, Pakistan, Mining, Combustion
Acknowledgement:
This work is completed under a project on Knowledge Economy
Partnership funded by Higher Education Commission, Pakistan and British Council,
Islamabad.
* Corresponding author:
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +92 51 9248 729, fax. +92 51 9248 600