Usman Azhar
For the last few years, the energy crisis became an increasingly crucial issue discussed throughout the world; whether it’s Iraq or Pakistan. The demand for electricity exceeds the power supply which cause rolling blackouts or loadshedding for several hours. Rolling blackouts generally result from insufficient generation capacity or inadequate transmission infrastructure to deliver sufficient power to the area where it is needed. The energy is so fused with the human life, that this crisis has been paralysed our daily routine.
Currently, we are depending on hydrological energy which is the main source of our energy. The dependence on energy, particularly fossil-based is very high. Looking at the fossil energy, reserves are so expensive that the common man cannot bear the tariff of fuel energy. Government has launched various mega hydro power projects to cope with this energy crisis but these are the time taking projects and 8 to 10 years time are needed for the completion of these hydro power projects.
So the only way to overcome this energy crisis in the short run is to hire independent power producers who will generate electricity in a short span of time but this is difficult because they also need time to setup their plants.
Therefore, it becomes irrefutable that rental power plants options could be an alternative for the energy crisis. Not only the US, an array of other countries are also using rental power plants to meet their energy needs such as Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Romania, South Africa and
Vietnam.
We present below a bird’s eye view of the role of RPPs in energy crisis around the world.
MEXICO
A 170 MW rental power system was installed and commissioned in a very short period of time to meet the demand of electricity in Zacatecas which was growing at a rate of about 5 percent. Power producers expected programmed outages for industrial customers due to insufficient transmission capacity and two consecutive years of low rainfall that reduced hydroelectric production.
The basic purpose of hiring RPPs in Mexico was to gain rapid availability of multiple Rental Power units with high fuel efficiency.
SAUDI ARABIA
Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is situated in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau. In this rapidly growing city surrounded by desert, water is a precious commodity and the demand is always increasing.
The country has undertaken a programme to build desalination plants that produce both potable water and electricity. Drilling deep wells into the Al-Manjor rock layer was one way the city could gain the necessary fresh water quickly. With the Al Hunnay wells located at 155 miles (250 km) north of Riyadh, the Saudi Ministry of Water & Electricity asked RPPs to provide 62 MW of long-term rental power necessary for making the water flow to the city.
NEW YORK, USA
When soaring summertime temperatures cause people to switch on their air conditioners, it jacks up the demand for electricity and can strain a utility’s power distribution system.
For several years, the local electric utility, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), has been increasing its summer generation capacity with rented units installed at several substations where loads have been high.
In the past, these rented generators have been costly liquid-fueled turbines, primarily because of the need to meet local air quality regulations. In the spring of 2004, LIPA awarded a contract to a rental power company, for 88 MW of clean, reciprocating-engine rental power. The rental power units have not only met stringent air quality regulations, but also have reduced installation and operating costs for LIPA as well
AUSTRALIA
Australian government hires rental power plants to deliver 20 MW of power during peak demand to meet the state’s electricity requirements. The diesel power station — the first of its type in Australia — was built in the extremely short time of less than four months which must be close to a record for a project of this complexity.
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh has installed seven rental power plants to check its acute power crisis with the power ministry recommendation three foreign and local companies to add 250-mw electricity to the national power grid. The sole objective of hiring rental power plants is to augment 300MW power supply. Bangladesh faces shortfall of nearly 500 megawatt against the officially estimated demand of 4250 megawatt.
INDIA
Indian Oil Corporation’s Guwahati Refinery in the northeastern state of Assam had a capacity of 0.75 MMTPA, which was subsequently increased to 1.0 MMTPA. Power for the refinery’s operations was provided by steam turbines that had become old and unreliable. The refinery hired a rental power system which produced 5 MW of continuous power on a 24/7, 365 bases.
KENYA
Kenya's requirement for additional power was a result of low rainfall in parts of the country. This drought has resulted in reduced output from the country's hydro electric power stations leading to power shortages which were having a damaging effect on the country's economy. A critical consideration in the tender evaluation process was speed of delivery and a rental power supplier undertaken to supply the first tranche of 40 MW within five weeks of the contract becoming effective and the balance a few weeks later.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa urgently needs additional power generation capacities to meet the rising and suppressed demand of power for FIFA world cup 2010. African government hired rental power supply companies to meet the power demands.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Energy crisis around the world
Usman Azhar
Pakistan is not unique in facing extreme power shortage. All over the world, because of increasing population energy shortage has become a serious problem. Electricity is produced through two main sources, by using petrol and gas and by building dams. The price of petrol and gas is rising all the time. Their supplies are also dwindling because of overuse. On the other hand setting up thermal power plant is an expensive affair. It takes at least 3 to 5 years to complete a thermal power plant.
Building dams also requires a lot of investment. Therefore not every country can afford to build big dams. Availability of water is another problem. The world is experiencing a growing water shortage. The case of Pakistan illustrates the situation. Per capita availability of water in our country is now only one third as compared to 60 years ago.
The water table in the cities has gone down. Water flow in the rivers is also less than before. In this situation global warming is in another key factor. Experts are of the view that the world will experience acute water shortage in the next 50 years and there will be wars among countries for water resources.
There are two ways to meet the challenge. On the one hand, we need to launch new power generation schemes on war footing, both thermal and hydel. Secondly we should save energy as much as possible.
The government is working on both fronts. Recently it announced an energy conservation plan to stop waste of power which includes closure of markets and shopping centres by 8 PM, restriction on marriage halls to finish their functions before 10 PM, suspension of power supplies to bill boards and hoardings, two weekly off days and power saving on street lights. According to government resources all these measures have so far resulted in a saving of 1100 MW of power. The need of the hour is that we should conserve as much energy as possible. This is not only our national duty. It is also in our self interest because by saving energy we can reduce our power bill.
We present below a bird’s eye view of the energy crisis around the world.
VENEZUELA:
President Hugo Chavez recently announced energy conservation measures as below
1. Companies demanding 5 MW must save 20pc of their usage. Domestic demanding 2 MW must also save 20pc of their usage.
2. Billboards can be switched on from 6 PM to 12 PM, whereas casinos will open in same hours.
3. Shopping Malls will receive only 10 hours of electricity.
4. Aluminium Companies to cut production by 40pc.
5. Retention of water levels in dams.
6. Penalty: 24-72 hours disconnection in case of non-compliance.
7. Public to reduce showers to 3 Min.
ARGENTINA:
Energy crisis in 2004, Argentina faced natural gas supply shortage immediately after recession and economic crisis. 50pc of electricity depends on gas power plants. The country had to adopt energy conservation measures to meet the crisis.
TAJIKISTAN:
The government ordered bars and cafés to be operated by candle lights only. Rolling power outages all over the country.
UZBEKISTAN:
Beginning in late December 2007, the unusually harsh weather froze the gas supply to numerous homes and businesses. Some in Uzbekistan turned to traditional method for heating. There are some villages which have no trees left because the villagers have cut them down. The country is taking steps for new power generation.
TURKMENISTAN:
Villagers have been burning saxaul plants, a traditional way to heat homes. In cities electrical devices cannot be used due to shortage of electricity.
KYRGYZSTAN:
Because of extreme cold weather demand for power has been rising by 10pc because of which the main Taktogal reservoir for hydroelectrical power has been depleted, affecting electricity production.
NIGERIA:
Nigeria will not be able to generate enough electricity for its population until 2015.
Facts about Nigerian power crisis
• Currently generates 5500 MW
• Needs 10000 MW to be industrialized economy
• Six power projects, begun under the last govt, have not been completed
• The government has resorted to power rationing to meet the situation
TANZANIA:
The country faces severe power shortage. Only 10 pc people in urban areas have access to electricity.
SOUTH AFRICA:
In 2007 the state-owned electricity supplier company started experiencing lack of capacity in electricity generation. This led to inability to meet demand to industry and consumers resulting in countrywide rolling blackouts.
SRI LANKA:
The country faced electricity shortage in Jaffna and other areas
To ensure energy security the govt is conduction energy audit and energy system and analysis via software.
Energy saving measures are based on restricted and controlled use of home appliances, bulbs, etc.
BANGLADESH:
The energy situation has been worsening. The demand for 5500 MW is not met as the supply is only around 3800 MW. Many power plants are idle due to shortage of gas supply.
Short term solution
• Shutting down of govt owned urea plants
• Daylight energy saving by changing office timetable to 8AM - 2 PM
• Nation-wide electricity conservation awareness programme
• Using energy efficient appliances
UK AND MIDDLE EASTERN countries are also preparing backup plans to meet any energy shortage in future.
Pakistan is not unique in facing extreme power shortage. All over the world, because of increasing population energy shortage has become a serious problem. Electricity is produced through two main sources, by using petrol and gas and by building dams. The price of petrol and gas is rising all the time. Their supplies are also dwindling because of overuse. On the other hand setting up thermal power plant is an expensive affair. It takes at least 3 to 5 years to complete a thermal power plant.
Building dams also requires a lot of investment. Therefore not every country can afford to build big dams. Availability of water is another problem. The world is experiencing a growing water shortage. The case of Pakistan illustrates the situation. Per capita availability of water in our country is now only one third as compared to 60 years ago.
The water table in the cities has gone down. Water flow in the rivers is also less than before. In this situation global warming is in another key factor. Experts are of the view that the world will experience acute water shortage in the next 50 years and there will be wars among countries for water resources.
There are two ways to meet the challenge. On the one hand, we need to launch new power generation schemes on war footing, both thermal and hydel. Secondly we should save energy as much as possible.
The government is working on both fronts. Recently it announced an energy conservation plan to stop waste of power which includes closure of markets and shopping centres by 8 PM, restriction on marriage halls to finish their functions before 10 PM, suspension of power supplies to bill boards and hoardings, two weekly off days and power saving on street lights. According to government resources all these measures have so far resulted in a saving of 1100 MW of power. The need of the hour is that we should conserve as much energy as possible. This is not only our national duty. It is also in our self interest because by saving energy we can reduce our power bill.
We present below a bird’s eye view of the energy crisis around the world.
VENEZUELA:
President Hugo Chavez recently announced energy conservation measures as below
1. Companies demanding 5 MW must save 20pc of their usage. Domestic demanding 2 MW must also save 20pc of their usage.
2. Billboards can be switched on from 6 PM to 12 PM, whereas casinos will open in same hours.
3. Shopping Malls will receive only 10 hours of electricity.
4. Aluminium Companies to cut production by 40pc.
5. Retention of water levels in dams.
6. Penalty: 24-72 hours disconnection in case of non-compliance.
7. Public to reduce showers to 3 Min.
ARGENTINA:
Energy crisis in 2004, Argentina faced natural gas supply shortage immediately after recession and economic crisis. 50pc of electricity depends on gas power plants. The country had to adopt energy conservation measures to meet the crisis.
TAJIKISTAN:
The government ordered bars and cafés to be operated by candle lights only. Rolling power outages all over the country.
UZBEKISTAN:
Beginning in late December 2007, the unusually harsh weather froze the gas supply to numerous homes and businesses. Some in Uzbekistan turned to traditional method for heating. There are some villages which have no trees left because the villagers have cut them down. The country is taking steps for new power generation.
TURKMENISTAN:
Villagers have been burning saxaul plants, a traditional way to heat homes. In cities electrical devices cannot be used due to shortage of electricity.
KYRGYZSTAN:
Because of extreme cold weather demand for power has been rising by 10pc because of which the main Taktogal reservoir for hydroelectrical power has been depleted, affecting electricity production.
NIGERIA:
Nigeria will not be able to generate enough electricity for its population until 2015.
Facts about Nigerian power crisis
• Currently generates 5500 MW
• Needs 10000 MW to be industrialized economy
• Six power projects, begun under the last govt, have not been completed
• The government has resorted to power rationing to meet the situation
TANZANIA:
The country faces severe power shortage. Only 10 pc people in urban areas have access to electricity.
SOUTH AFRICA:
In 2007 the state-owned electricity supplier company started experiencing lack of capacity in electricity generation. This led to inability to meet demand to industry and consumers resulting in countrywide rolling blackouts.
SRI LANKA:
The country faced electricity shortage in Jaffna and other areas
To ensure energy security the govt is conduction energy audit and energy system and analysis via software.
Energy saving measures are based on restricted and controlled use of home appliances, bulbs, etc.
BANGLADESH:
The energy situation has been worsening. The demand for 5500 MW is not met as the supply is only around 3800 MW. Many power plants are idle due to shortage of gas supply.
Short term solution
• Shutting down of govt owned urea plants
• Daylight energy saving by changing office timetable to 8AM - 2 PM
• Nation-wide electricity conservation awareness programme
• Using energy efficient appliances
UK AND MIDDLE EASTERN countries are also preparing backup plans to meet any energy shortage in future.
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