Offshore wind farms technically and financially feasible: Dr. Mubashir Ali Siddiqi
‘Offshore wind resource assessment and energy estimation’ made by a professor of NED University of Engineering and Technology has unearthed that Keti Bandar, a coastal town of Thatta district has a higher potential of wind power than Hawks Bay in Karachi. Dr. Mubashir Ali Siddiqi who led the assessment told Engineering Review that Keti Bandar had more power density and setting up wind power projects there were also financially feasible. Dr. Mubashir who presented his paper in an international conference held in NED University said they selected 5 types of offshore wind turbines, in use worldwide. A 3-megawatt wind turbine appeared to be feasible and its level cost of energy is estimated to be 12 cents. However, internationally the levelized cost of energy of offshore wind farms by 2020 would be US$0.1 (10 cents). It proves our research is technically as well as financially sound.
At present 1200 megawatts from Gharo and Jhimpir are connected with the national grid and another 1000 megawatts are in pipeline. This potential has benefited Pakistan and thus international conference was being held for the first time, he said. About local manufacturing, he said turbine blades and generators are imported. However, steel towers are being fabricated locally by Descon.
We need to start fabrication of blades in Pakistan and the industry should take an initiative. He said Renewable Policy 2006 should be reviewed immediately and the government should encourage investors to establish a wind blade manufacturing unit in Pakistan. Regarding the conference, Dr. Siddiqi was happy to have such moot in Pakistan and was amazed by the participation of the industry. This is what we wanted, he says. Industry and academia should go together and require to strengthen the linkage. We visited FFC Limited and witnessed a technical center established there as the company knows the significance. Now there must be a fabrication center which someone should start.
