Unsung tidal energy potential of Balochistan.

Byline: Syed Fazl-E-Haider

Balochistan is rich in renewable energy (RE) resources, which must be exploited for sustainable development of the province. The government should make efforts to exploit huge volume of renewable energy sources of the province through renewable energy technologies like wind power turbines, biogas plants, microhydel power plants, solar thermal devices and tidal energy. Tidal power has not yet been operational in Pakistan compared to other renewable energy technologies. Tidal power plants in coastal creeks of the country, however, could play a role in overcoming the chronic energy shortage. In 1988, the National Institute of Oceonography (NIO) had conducted a study that showed that the 17 creeks on the coastal belt of Pakistan could generate tidal energy sufficient to meet the requirements of coastal areas at very cheap rates. Unfortunately, the study was shelved by the powerful bureaucracy for unknown reasons.

The tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from tides into electricity. Although not yet widely used, tidal energy has potential for future electricity generation. Tidal energy is an environment-friendly and more predictable resource, as compared to wind energy. The cost for establishing a wave energy infrastructure is approximately equal to a wind-based power plant.

Tidal energy is produced through the use of tidal energy generators. These large underwater turbines are placed in areas with high tidal movements, and are designed to capture the kinetic motion of the ebbing and surging of ocean tides in order to produce electricity.

There are very few commercial-sized tidal power plants operating in the world. The first was located in La Rance, France.

The largest facility is the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station in South Korea. America's first tidal project became operational in December 2006, when two underwater turbines were installed in New York's East River.

Good prospects for Pakistan economy

Balochistan has 770-KM long coastal belt along the Arabian Sea, which links Lasbela and Gwadar districts. The coastline is 70 percent of the country's total coastline of about 1,045km. It has huge potential for development of fisheries, tourism and seaports and renewable energy projects. The coastline of the province is the best resource for exploiting the tidal energy. Grid-based or off-grid tidal power stations could be constructed, depending on site conditions. The off-grid power...