Coal Gasification is the Cheapest Source of Power Generation‪:‬

Byline: Dr.Samar In view of energy crisis, Pakistan is facing multiple problems. Not only the industrial sector but also the transport and domestic consumers have to bear the brunt of this shortage. Population growth coupled with increasing energy demand has aggravated the situation. After the power sector facing a shortage varying from 2000 MW to 5000 MW, now the people and industry face the natural gas shortage. Cognizant of this situation, the government embarked on immediate measures but the power generated by the IPPs and the Rental Power Projects is going beyond the reach of poor Pakistanis. Hydel projects are already plagues by political controversies and financial crunch. Only choices with the government were either to purchase costly power from thermal units or to go for alternate resources. Coal is rather a better option to produce cheaper electricity. Therefore, the Thar Coal Authority was established and work has started on coal gasification to produce power.