Exploring Wind Energy As a Viable Alternative

Byline: Farakh Shahzad There has been an enormous increase in global demand for energy in recent years as a result of industrial development, population growth and enhanced lifestyles. Supply of energy is, therefore, far less than its actual demand. Pakistan requires around 15,000 to 20000 MW electricity per day to meet its growing needs. But currently it is able to produce only about 11,000 MW per day, creating a shortfall of about 4000 to 9000 MW. This shortage that is shooting up during summers, mainly due to the use of air conditioners, is badly hampering economic growth of the country. Increasing electricity tariffs due to surging oil prices have put a negative momentum on manufacturing and industrial sector due to high costs of production. In value-added export sector alone, Pakistan is losing $10 billion every year due to power shortage.