Renewable energy and its applications in Pakistan
A introduction to renewable energy
The word renewable energy (also known as alternate energy) used to be a topic of discussion but many people don’t actually know much about it. The word is a whole world. Solar energy, solar panels, wind turbine, and biogas are some words that you might have heard.
The following definition has been taken from Texas renewable energy:
“Renewable energy: Any energy resource that is naturally regenerated over a short time scale and derived directly from the sun (such as thermal, photochemical, and photoelectric), indirectly from the sun (such as wind, hydropower, and photosynthetic energy stored in biomass), or from other natural movements and mechanisms of the environment (such as geothermal and tidal energy). Renewable energy does not include energy resources derived from fossil fuels, waste products from fossil sources, or waste products from inorganic sources.”
Renewable Energy sources. Photo source: https://www.rebltd.ca/
Solar (the Sun) is there in most of the countries for at least 6 – 8 hours during the day and it is free. Wind flows at great speeds enough to generate power and in result generating electricity and yes it is free. Biogas can be generated from something you won’t believe; waste (dung) of cows, horse and similar because they contain in them many gases. And yes this one comes for free too. Renewable energy is also clean energy because there are no hazardous wastes as compared to other energy such as nuclear power generators. The term clean energy also says that the energy generated from renewable sources keep environment clean.
Solar panels and wind turbine.
Myths
Renewable energy is expensive
Like I said renewable energy sources are free and they are there to be utilized inexpensively. Secondly, initial investment might seem expensive but after using it for few years it will become free because of the no maintenance cost and free source of input.
Renewable energy cannot supply 24/7 electricity
The sun goes down, now what. Or the wind stops. The key to generate constant supply is to have a mix of Solar, wind and biogas.
Renewable energy comes from Solar energy only
Some people think that solar power is the only source of renewable energy. Many sources are mentioned above in the definition.
Renewable energy has huge and unsustainable land requirements
This isn’t true. Infact, the wind turbine takes less space on the ground other than any energy conversion system.
Renewable energy is dependent upon weather, nature, time of day and region
Sun is there over us in almost every inhabitable place in the world. Where there is Sun there is wind too. Where there is live there are animals too. A constant supply of power can be generated using combined sources of renewable energy such as Solar panels, wind turbine, and biogas. This is the way one can have constant supply of power even if one or the other source is not available.
Renewable energy is ugly and not plug n play
There are many sources of renewable energy such as Solar, Wind turbines and biogas. Solar panels are huge and so are the wind turbines and bio gas systems. Some people think they are ugly when used on roof tops. In my opinion electricity grid wires and towers are uglier than the solar and wind turbines.
Few people think, solar panel and wind turbine are not plug and play. Of course, they are huge system for big needs and so they require technical knowledge and expertise. An Air condition also requires expertise to install. Plug and play is not a requirement for something that is really useful. Still to clear the concepts of such people, there are end user portable solar powered products that I have mentioned in one of my article here. To name a few are the S-300 portable lantern and D20, solar home system. Both by d.light (USA).
The need and situation of Renewable energy in Pakistan
In the current situation of the planet Earth where we are facing electricity shortage at various countries especially the third world countries. And the shortage will convert to no electricity because the sources of electricity are decreases. Some sources are water and fossil fuel. You should know what come under these two words “renewable energy” if you are a company, factory or even an individual relying on the electricity provided to you from grids.
Renewable energy is not a dream or future anymore. It is here!
These all sources of renewable energy are being utilized in Pakistan and the dream of an sustainable energy has become a reality.
Industries and factories
Solar powered cellular network tower by REON energy solution.
Rural areas
A solar powered light being used in rural area. This is a solar lantern by USA company D.Light. Photo source: D.light
Shops and huts
A shop keeper in rural area use solar lantern to light up the shop. Photo source: architonic.com
Emergency lights
When lights goes off use solar powered emergency lights
Solar water pump
Solar water pump in Thar, Pakistanre. Photo credit: REON energy solution. https://www.reonenergy.com/projects/solar_water.php?a=project
Individuals
A woman using the affordable solar power lantern.
Garden lights
Solar garden lights that charges at day in the garden and turn on automatically when it is dark. Photo source: https://www.gardenlightinglondon.co.uk/solar-garden-lights-and-lighting.php
Street lights
Solar powered street lights at Gwadar. Image credit-Flickr wetlandsofpakistan
Biogas
Biogas solution. Photo source: https://www.reonenergy.com/projects/vehari.php
Wind turbine
Wind turbine working model at SZABIST research centre
Solar Energy, Wind power projects and Biogas in Pakistan
Be it solar or biogas or wind power, this is now a reality in Pakistan and many companies are providing these solutions. One company I have recently came across is REON energy solution. They have their solar products and biogas solutions to cater industries that require Kilo Watts of power. They not only have their products and customized solutions for big industries but they have other house systems and a series of solar lights that caters an individuals’ need. SZABIST Research center was also working on renewable energy when I graduated 4 years ago. There are other companies in Pakistan as well that are offering Solar solutions.
Finally, I would like to say that renewable energy is here and it is the future for a sustainable energy source which is free, clean and is in abundance and never ending till the end of life. So start benefiting from renewable energy like me. I have already acquired a few solar powered products to save my long term cost of electricity.
