TOPIC 8 (POWER)

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding fuel extraction methods:

    • Non-renewable fuels include coal, crude oil, and natural gas.

    • Coal Extraction Methods:

      • Open cast mining

      • Adit mining

      • Shaft mining

    • Natural Gas and Crude Oil Extraction: Exploration and drilling techniques.

  • Types of Energy Sources:

    • Distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

  • Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources:

    • Overview of methods: hydropower (hydel), wind, solar, tidal, wave, biofuels, and geothermal.

  • Importance of Power Sources:

    • Crucial for overall development of the region.

  • Coal in Pakistan:

    • Quality and quantity assessment of local coal.

    • Lifespan of coal reserves in Pakistan.

    • Coal types imported for industrial use.

    • Transportation methods for both domestic and imported coal.

  • Natural Gas in Pakistan:

    • Current natural gas production levels and estimates of reserve longevity.

    • Description of Pakistan's natural gas pipeline network and methods for delivering gas to remote areas with associated limitations.

  • Oil Production in Pakistan:

    • Estimates of local oil production and imports required to meet demands.

    • Extent of oil pipeline infrastructure and alternative transportation methods.

  • Electricity Generation Overview:

    • Methods including thermal power stations and nuclear energy alongside renewables.

    • Noting the depletion and rising costs of non-renewable resources.

Coal

  • Formation: Coal formed from decomposed plant matter buried underground.

  • Types:

    • Peat → Lignite → Sub-Bituminous → Bituminous → Anthracite

  • Quality Determinants:

    • Depth, color, carbon content, heating value, and sulfur content.

Coal Quality and Types in Pakistan

  • Coal Types:

    • Lignite and sub-bituminous with low heating value and high moisture.

  • Mining Methods:

    • Shaft Mining: Deep extraction.

    • Adit Mining: Near-surface extraction.

    • Open Cast Mining: Surface extraction with significant land alteration.

  • Major Coalfields:

    • Salt Range, Quetta, Lower Sindh.

Oil and Natural Gas

  • Oil Extraction Process:

    • Involves drilling, setting up derricks, drilling rigs, and using geophysical surveys to locate oil.

  • Refining Oil: Crude oil must be refined into usable products (e.g., kerosene, diesel).

  • Imported Oil Necessity: Necessitated by domestic production shortfalls against demand.

Natural Gas Overview

  • Composition: Primarily methane; smell added for safety.

  • Gas Fields: Key production areas include Sui and Mari.

  • Transportation Methods: Pipelines and cylinders for distribution.

Renewable Energy Sources

  • Hydropower: Most significant renewable energy source globally.

  • Solar Energy: Efficient for energy generation but requires suitable locations for solar panels.

  • Wind and Tidal Energy: Use wind force to generate electricity; however, tidal energy implementation is costly.

Nuclear Power

  • Energy Generation: Utilizes fission and fusion processes; renewable energy is an increasing focus.

Challenges in Energy Production**

  • Mention of load shedding and the consequences of insufficient electricity supply, including economic impacts.

Sustainability Concerns

  • Highlights potential solutions to current energy crises through better management and investment in renewable technologies.