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.