Pakistan’s 18th attempt to find oil, gas in deep sea!

on 03/04/2019

Pakistan’s premier Imran Khan said last month that he would give good news to the nation very soon as he was optimistic that Asia’s largest oil and gas reserves may soon be found near Karachi.
Following Khan’s optimism, international media also wrote that Pakistan may soon hit the big oil discovery and that will be good news for not only the country itself but all of South Asia as well as China and Gulf nations.
Meanwhile, the officials and experts from exploration companies who Engineering Review talked to said it was early to say anything for sure as regards the find. However, they do agree that the exploration companies have been indicating huge reserves of oil and gas in the Indus Basin area.
In Pakistan, the probability of success has been one in seven attempts, an official said. The last exploratory well in the offshore area was drilled in January 2010. This is the 18th attempt to find hydrocarbons from deep waters in Pakistan. Previous 17 attempts in deep sea found the wells either dry or not commercially viable.
Reports this time say there is a strong possibility that the country may discover a very big oil reserve in its waters. If this prediction comes true, the discovery will help Pakistan to tackle its economic problems.
The US oil giant Exxon Mobil and Italy’s Eni have been involved since January this year in drilling an ultra-deep oil well.
Pakistan may have a more urgent need for foreign investment if massive oil reserves were indeed discovered.
There may be more international companies including Chinese wanting to participate in related projects ranging from exploration to refining and logistics. The related investment will help Pakistan maintain its growth momentum, says a report.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was originally conceived as a strategic project with oil and gas pipeline links between Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Gwadar port.
If Pakistan discovers massive oil reserves, that will be a motivation to extend Pakistan’s pipeline network further into neighboring countries, and also to enhance energy cooperation with Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia.
Not only China but also the whole region will benefit from economic integration through energy connectivity.
Using those reserves will likely result in large cross-border capital flows, infrastructure investment, energy trades, and people-to-people exchanges. The region will see the development and utilization of oil reserves as a pillar of economic integration and stability.
The geopolitical picture in Asia has long been complex and uneven, but Pakistan’s potential oil reserves are likely a game-changer for the region, with economic cooperation in energy.
When the drilling started
In January 2019, Pakistan began offshore drilling after a gap of nine years to find estimated huge oil and gas deposits in ultra-deep waters at an estimated cost of over $100 million.
The US firm ExxonMobil in collaboration with Italian firm Eni Pakistan Limited is drilling at Kekra-1 well in Indus G block in ultra-deep waters some 280 kilometers away from Karachi coast.
Eni Pakistan has estimated nine trillion cubic feet gas deposits. Exxon Mobile expects oil deposits there.
ExxonMobil has one major drilling ship, three supply vessels, and two helicopters on the site.
Eni Pakistan is the operator of the block, while, Exploration and Production Pakistan BV (EEPP) working on drilling the well. Pakistan state-owned Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) are part of the joint venture. Each of the four firms has a 25% participating interest in the block.
The last exploratory well in the offshore area was drilled in January 2010. This is the 18th attempt to find hydrocarbons from deep waters in Pakistan.
Earlier, Pakistan has drilled 17 times in deep sea. The wells were either found dry or not commercially viable to be operated.
Some of the surveyors find the block ‘Indus-G’ similar to Indian offshore Bombay High oilfields, which produces 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, while some define it like wells producing hydrocarbons in the oil and gas-rich country, Kuwait in the Gulf.
A claim in 2018
Last year Pakistan’s Pakistan’s caretaker minister for maritime affairs and foreign affairs Abdullah Hussain Haroon had said ExxonMobil is close to hitting huge oil reserves near the Pakistan-Iran border, which could be even bigger than the Kuwaiti reserves.
ExxonMobil, the American multinational oil and gas company, has so far drilled up to 5,000 meters close to the Iranian border and is optimistic about the oil discovery, Haroon told business leaders at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in August 2018.
If the oil deposits are discovered as expected, Pakistan will be among top the 10 oil-producing countries ahead of Kuwait in the sixth position.
Kuwait’s oil reserves make up 8.4 percent of the oil reserves in the world. Kuwait claims to hold about 101.50 billion barrels, including half of five billion barrels in the Saudi-Kuwaiti neutral zone which Kuwait shares with Saudi Arabia.
According to current estimates, 81.89 percent of the world’s proven oil reserves are located in OPEC member countries, with the bulk of OPEC oil reserves in the Middle East, amounting to 65.36 percent of the OPEC total, OPEC data shows.
ExxonMobil had committed to set up a generation complex worth $10 billion.
ExxonMobil’s stakes in offshore drilling in Pakistan
In May 2018, the ExxonMobil had acquired 25 percent stakes in offshore drilling in Pakistan.
Pakistan currently meets only 15 percent of its domestic petroleum needs with crude oil production of around 22 million tons; the other 85 percent is met through imports. The country facing a huge current account deficit of up to $18 billion is spending a substantial amount of foreign exchange reserves on the import of oil. The import bill of Pakistan rose by to $12.928 billion in the July-May 2017-18 period of the last fiscal year.
Drilling elsewhere
Around 17 oil and gas Exploration and Production (E&P) companies were currently operating in different potential areas of Sindh to tap hydrocarbon reserves and meet ever-growing energy needs of the country.
The companies have drilled 12 wells in districts Tando M Khan, Matriarch, Sanghar, Tando A Yar, Jamshoro Badin, and Ghotki, while the government has provisionally awarded two exploration blocks in Sukkur-Khairpur and Jamshoro during last eight months.
The companies including Eni Pakistan Limited, Heritage Oil and Gas Limited, Hycarbex American Energy Inc., UEPL Beta (OMV/Pakistan) Exploration , UEPL Alpha (OMV Maurice Energy Ltd, Orient Petroleum Limited, Polish Oil and Gas company, Spud Energy Pty Limited, United Energy Pakistan, Mari Petroleum Company Limited, New Horizon Exploration and Production Limited, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Oil and Gas Investment Ltd., Pakistan Oilfields Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Petroleum Exploration Limited and Zaver Petroleum Corporation Limited are busy in drilling activities in different areas of Sindh.
During the first four months of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, the E&P companies have made 13 oil and gas discoveries in different parts of the country. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) made a discovery in August in Sanghar district of Sindh, having a flow of 23 mmcfd gas and 91 bpd oil.
In September, the PPL found an oil deposit with an initial flow of 313 bpd in Chakwal district of the Punjab province.
While the same company struck two back to back discoveries in the current month (December 3 & 4) in Sanghar and Sajawal districts of Sindh with a flow of 18.6 mmcfd gas and 160 bpd oil, and nine mmcfd gas respectively.
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) made a find in September in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, having the preliminary flow of 1.3 mmcfd gas and 550 bpd oil.
Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) also contributed a discovery in September in Kachi district of Balochistan province with a flow of 1500 bpd oil.
United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEPL) made five successful drills, one was in Tando A Yar district of Sindh in September under which it found oil deposit having initial flow of 1056 bpd, second and third were in Tando M Khan district of Sindh in October with 6.3 mmcfd and 9.5 mmcfd gas flow respectively, while fourth and fifth were also occurred in Sindh province in October and December with 9 mmcfd and 31 mmcfd gas flow respectively.
Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) recently discovered an oil reserve in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with an initial flow of 27 bpd. OMV Maurice, an E&P company, discovered gas deposit in Ghotki district of Sindh in September with a flow of 6.48 mmcfd. – Compiled by Aryan Ahmed.

E-links Pakistan aims to lead the market

on 21/03/2019

E-links Pakistan was established in 2004 with the vision to introduce and supply best quality and innovative as well as price competitive electrification products to the industrial sector.
E-links is a registered member of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Lahore Chamber of commerce & industry (LCCI) in the capacity of indenters, importers, distributors and stockiest of electrical components.
The company operates with a head office and a branch office in the business hub, Lahore. You can visit us at htip://elinkspakistan.com
E-Links has been appointed distributor /Indenter /stockiest in Pakistan by renowned European and Asian manufacturers for their products.
The products, which are in huge demand include but not limited to low and medium voltage breakers, capacitors, digital electronic meters, switches, relays, timers, (DIN) rail components, automation, and distribution enclosures, wiring accessories and installation material for a range of applications.
Our principle suppliers are ZEZ Silko, SEZ, Grouppo Energla, LUMEL SA, ALFA ELECTRIC, EFEN GMBH, GIOVENZANA B.V, MESAN (Essontra), Klemsan, Relpol SA, Broyce Control, Hobut, Kubler and Georg Jorden.
E-links services are well known because most of the products we supply in the local market are European origin of high quality, supported by innovative research and development trends of the manufactures.
E-Links has been doing business with numerous national and multinational companies, since its inception, it owes an exponential growth over the past decade to its deep-rooted customers. Our customers are WAPDA, NTDC, K-Electric, all DISCOs, Switchgear manufacturers, Textile, Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Cement plants, Paper, Sugar, Chemical and Ghee Mills etc.
Our aim is to ensure customer satisfaction. And it is this philosophy that has helped us secure numerous long-term business relationships with prestigious clients.
VISION
We work to provide the best value to our customers. We place great emphasis on the satisfaction of our employees and opt for high business conduct and integration with our principles. We aim for long-term sustainable success. We take innovative thinking as our guide while respecting the opinions, ideas, and values.
MISSION
Our mission is to be the leading company in our designated business, providing our clients with high-quality, reliable, exceptional and excellent products with continuous support.n

Electricity Pakistan, Conference opens with high expectations!

on 21/03/2019

Electricity Pakistan Expo and Conference have all reasons to be a successful show. Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s largest province Punjab is itself an advantage for an exhibition of such brands as the province has large electricity related organizations both in public and private sectors.
Engr. Shahid Alam, Secretary General Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan (IEEEP) says they are and were confident that the participation in the exhibition and conference will be as per expectations.
Punjab is a vast ground for power and electricity products and solutions and the province houses power distribution companies, power generation companies and also NTDC besides Pakistan’s largest company NESPAK has its head office in Lahore.
Engr. Shahid Alam said Punjab had a widespread manufacturing industry which they expected to participate in the exhibition.
Even if this show does not include companies from Karachi which usually participate in IEEEP’s exhibition in Karachi, Punjab has its lion’s share in electric components and related companies.
Electricity Pakistan Expo and Conference are being organized in two halls of the Lahore Expo Center and the area it covers is spread over 9000 square meters.
The organizers FAK figures say 50 plus companies are participating in the exhibition. Of the total 60 percent participating companies are local {Pakistani} whereas 40 percent of companies are from abroad especially from China.
Hall number two of the expo has a buzz with Chinese whose presence in Pakistani business and trade exhibition has been increasing over the years.
The initiative of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has given impetus to Chinese companies for making more and more investment in Pakistan. It has created concern in Pakistani companies and electricity-related companies are no exception.
But not everyone fears Chinese companies, said Engr. Alam adding there were many good companies in Pakistan making quality products which could be exported to China also. Pakistani companies are manufacturing control panels and meters also. The quality is good, he claims.
Chinese companies in this exhibition are concentrating on solar power which has its market in Pakistan.
The organizers are looking for more than 10 thousand visitors from various sectors of power and electricity-related fields.
The Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan (IEEEP), the vanguard of the show was established in 1969 for the dissemination of technical knowledge and promotion of the engineering profession.
It says ‘Electricity Pakistan 2019’ is the largest exhibition and conference dedicated to energy, storage and power technology we’re bringing it to Lahore Pakistan, as Electricity Pakistan is the only dedicated electrical exhibition in Pakistan like no other.
The show offers trade exhibitors & visitors countless opportunities to display the latest products, services, and innovative solutions from the energy power sector.
The exhibition presents a dedicated platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and users, immobile and mobile electrical energy storage solutions. Other topics of discussion are energy management, e-mobility, and intelligent systems integration and uninterruptible power supply.
Engineering professionals from all over the world are expected to join Electricity Pakistan for three days of outstanding educational sessions, renowned speaker’s special seminars, and networking event.
The products related to Coal, Bio Gas, Wind Power, Power Transformers, Heavy Generators, HVAC, Lighting, Power, Capacitor, Heavy Duty Cable are all in the show.
The institute has invited the companies to be part of the most important exhibition dedicated to electrical, power and energy in the country, which will count with the participation of international speakers, leaders on electrical engineering, power, and energy storage. n

CPD training sessions at Hyderabad, Sukker

on 21/03/2019

In a rapidly changing world where legislative, social and economic developments directly affect the environment in which we live and work, and where technological advancements provide radically different ways of working, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provides means whereby we can keep abreast of these changes, broaden our skills and be more effective in our professional work.
Pakistan Engineering Council under its Act has a mandate for introducing and ensuring continued professional development activities amongst its growing community of engineers. The council has devised a comprehensive framework titled “Professional Development of Engineers (Bye-Laws – 2008)” approved by the Government of Pakistan.
The main objective is to develop competence and ability of engineers for the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations and to evolve innovative solutions to real-life problems while adhering to professional ethics and acquisition of a broader understating of their obligations to society.
Under this program, Engr. Muhammad Saleh Rind, a GB member of PEC, conducted a training titled as “Introduction to IMS (Integrated Management System – ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and BS-OHSAS 18001) at Sukkur. Around 200 engineers attended a CPD course.
Earlier, the same training was carried out at ZABIST Hyderabad.
Almost 160 engineers attended the CPD course. Abdul Rasheed Bhutto, a GB member distributed certificate among participants as chief guest.n

Exploring Sustainable Solutions for Cement Industry of Pakistan

on 21/03/2019

The expansion which mankind has witnessed in terms of scientific revolution, population and growth in the 21st century is unprecedented in history.
Industrialization has no doubt brought comfort in our daily lives but at the expense of our natural resources, which are of course limited.
The level of consumption of resources associated with modern development is pushing the international community of researchers to explore more sustainable solutions for our built environment.
The cement industry owing to the rapid urbanization is the backbone of our modern built environment and one of the largest consumers of natural resources.
Cement-based materials currently represent more than one-third of the natural resources extracted from earth annually. The consumption is likely to increase in the coming decades following the patterns of growth suggested by economic agencies. This situation signifies the importance of identifying resource-efficient pathways for the cement industry.
In addition to that, the carbon emissions associated with cement manufacturing are alarming. In a business-as-usual scenario, the cementitious materials would be responsible for 30% of the world’s CO2 emissions by 2050.
Currently, cement industry accounts for approximately 7% of the total anthropogenic CO2 emissions worldwide, making cement the second largest CO2contributor in industry after power plants with an associated production volume of more than 4 billion tons annually.
As of today, the operational capacity of cement production in Pakistan is estimated to be 46- 49 million tons, with an expected expansion to 76 million tons by 2020.
The cement industry contributes billions to Pakistan’s economy. In 2016, it provided approximately Rs. 20 billion to the national exchequer alone, over Rs. 40 billion is added to the country’s GDP annually.
In 2015, the cement industry contributed up to 13% of total CO2 emissions in Pakistan. The country is the world’s 14th largest cement producer and any efforts employed towards improvisation will not only benefit the economy but also the environment at large which is in imminent threat due to increasing carbon emissions.
The most effective strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and consumption of natural resources by cement production lies in reducing its clinker content. This can be achieved by substitution of clinker with reactive materials, which up to now have typically been industrial byproducts: fly ash from coal-fired power stations and blast furnace slag. However, supplies of these materials are limited compared to the amount of cement produced worldwide. The major innovation is to combine the use of abundantly available low-grade kaolinite clay with a further 15% of limestone, with no reduction in mechanical performance. This will not only reduce the cost of cement per ton but also the carbon emission by 30%
We, at NED University of Engineering and Technology, are currently working on the feasibility study of eco-friendly cement based on Limestone and Calcined Clays. The research is aimed at finding out the potential of alternative cementitious materials, specifically Limestone-Calcined-Clay-Cement, also known as LC3, in Pakistan. Preliminary data of available raw materials suggest a promising future for the commercial viability of LC3 cement blend in Pakistan.
We hope that through our efforts and with the support of industrial and research sector of Pakistan, this project will contribute towards a carbon-free and a sustainable future providing low-cost alternatives to cement industry of Pakistan.
(The author is an Undergraduate student of Mechanical Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering and Technology working on a research project with his fellow students.) n