STAFF REPORT KARACHI: In an attempt to solve the deepening energy crisis in the country, the Planning Commission of Pakistan has stressed upon the government to promote domestic production of renewable energy hardware.
“The use of such hardware will help grow a new industry and overcome energy shortage in far-flung and under-developed areas,” the Commission said in its draft on the growth strategy.
The recently drafted document urged the need to address the energy sector woes that fetter the industrial sector. Pakistan ranks at 165 out of 218 countries in per capita access to electricity.
“The recent shortcomings of the energy sector pressed a national emergency button. Today, around 30 percent of the population is without electricity, and about 80 percent without gas,” it said.
During 2009, in addition to un-served energy, deficits are met by around 18.5 million tons of oil imports plus 3.0 million tons of oil equivalent coal imports. “This inflicts an additional burden of around $10 billion on the national exchequer,” it said.
According to the document, there is no need to expand the infrastructure, but to efficiently manage and overcome organizational difficulties that cause cash flow constraints.
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