Pakistan to get hybrid power plant: A clean and efficient energy solution
Pakistan has been facing power shortage problems since the last decade, with current demand outstripping supply by up to 8%. The country’s rapidly growing economy and rising industrial activity have made the situation worse. To address this problem, the government has signed an agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to set up its first hybrid power plant in Pakistan. The plant will consist of both conventional and renewable energy sources, and provide clean and efficient energy to about 2 million homes in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Background information
In the past decade, Pakistan has emerged as a world leader in renewable energy production. Today, 11 percent of the country's electricity comes from hydroelectric dams and windmills. Just last year, Pakistan opened what is thought to be Asia's largest solar farm which can generate more than 100 megawatts of power (a whopping enough amount for 700,000 homes). Despite these impressive statistics, chronic electrical shortages in Pakistan due to poor infrastructure have wreaked havoc on its economy for decades.
A new venture out of China will provide a possible solution by supplying a 50-megawatt hybrid gas-to-power plant near Karachi. It will run partly on natural gas, but also use solar panels and batteries to store power so it can operate during night hours. The facility is set to open this September and will produce about 75% less emissions than traditional coal plants. It'll be sold at an estimated cost of $470 million - far cheaper than installing another expensive transmission line from Punjab province where most electricity originates. With more new investments coming into renewables each day, Pakistan may soon enjoy 24/7 access to affordable, reliable energy sources - something no other developing nation has achieved yet!
Benefits of a Hybrid Power Plant
Hybrid power plants operate by using a combination of two different sources of power to produce electricity. One source is typically considered more expensive than the other, but because they work together, the overall price is cheaper. In addition, there are many benefits to using these plants because their operations require less maintenance than traditional coal-powered plants which can create continuous emissions that harm our environment. So what does this mean for Pakistan? It means cleaner air for them! This new hybrid power plant has made headlines in recent weeks as one of the most significant environmental steps taken by China in reducing pollution levels. The fact that it produces electricity at a fraction of the cost also makes it an attractive investment opportunity for countries like Pakistan who are always looking for ways to improve their infrastructure while supporting sustainable living practices.
The world is making a major push for more sustainable forms of renewable energies. With climate change looming over us, many countries are looking for cleaner ways to produce electricity. The announcement by China may seem like a small step in comparison to other countries that have completely switched over, but it represents a significant milestone in what we can expect from China in regards to their commitment to reducing pollution levels around their country. This also sets an example that other developing countries like Pakistan can follow if they want improved air quality while also cutting costs. The Chinese government says its new plant will save almost 2 million tons of coal per year which translates into 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions being eliminated each year as well.
Carbon emissions in Pakistan (as compared to other countries)
Hybrid power plants are emerging as an attractive option to meet the world's ever-growing demand for electricity. Hybrid Power Plants combine fossil fuel generation with a renewable source of energy, like solar or wind. The fossil fuel provides the reliability in generating reliable baseload supply, while the renewable source supplements the electricity supply when needed. The combination provides a cleaner, more flexible and highly efficient form of electricity production than either option would on its own
What are Hybrid Power Plants?
A Hybrid Power Plant can generate electricity from both fossil fuels, such as natural gas, or renewable sources, such as wind. These plants combine the two types of energy sources into one so that a cheaper fuel source can start generating electricity at any time. As more people switch over to electric cars and start producing more renewable electricity onsite from solar panels or wind turbines, Hybrid Power Plants will become even more cost-effective. The lower operational costs allow these plants to sell their electricity on the open market at competitive rates so they can continue operating without the help of state subsidies or financial grants.
Factors that influence the price of Hybrid Power Plants
The price of the Hybrid Power Plant project will vary depending on the size of the project, fuel used, location of installation and other factors. Most projects range in cost from $750,000 USD to $5 million USD. One large project was around $35 million USD. Projects that use natural gas tend to be less expensive than those that rely on fuel oil or diesel. There are a number of local restrictions as well for such projects; for example there can be limitations on where Hybrid Power Plants can be placed due to accessibility by fire trucks or building codes as well as if permits are needed from other government agencies before construction can begin.
How much will it cost?
Hybrid plants will cost $2.5 billion to build, but can save $1.6 billion annually in fuel expenses. Pakistan would be a world leader if it builds a more sustainable energy system for its people. This kind of investment is needed not only for the sake of human health, but also for the sake of the environment. The health impacts of pollution are apparent throughout South Asia, where smog in Pakistani cities regularly takes lives each year. Environmental pollutants kill three million people each year, according to WHO data from 2013 - more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. There's no denying that we need this investment and commitment to green living across the globe.
How to build ?
Build a foundation for your project. First, you need to be clear on the problem you're trying to solve (e.g., what is the current problem with Pakistan's power supply?). Next, create a team that will work on your project. Put together an initial budget for your project. Finally, decide what type of organization you want your nonprofit/for-profit entity to be (i.e., state whether it will be non-profit or for-profit). For example, if you are interested in building a sustainable power plant in Pakistan then an organization could be formed as a 501(c)(3) public charity that is built around being independent from any one industry or system so it can work with international investors while also engaging Pakistanis in the effort (Bloomberg 2017).
