ENERGY is the most basic necessity for life to exist on the planet. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, it is a vital part of everyday life, and its need is growing with each passing day.

From industry and transportation to the many pleasures and conveniences of home and office to governance and national security, all sectors rely on energy. In fact, our appetite for energy has put a strain on the country’s ability to achieve long-term economic progress.

Furthermore, increasing urbanisation and the use of non-renewable energy resources — such as coal, oil, and natural gas — are causing major environmental issues.

Against this backdrop, a viable alternative to fossil fuels is needed. The world must develop green, long-term and low-cost energy sources. As a result, utilisation of green energy will play a key role in this transition.

In recent years, green energy has made significant progress and it now plays an increasingly vital position in a country’s strategic energy planning process. Green energy refers to all renewable energy sources that are generated from the planet’s natural resources, such as sun, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy and biofuels, such as biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen, bio-oil and biogas. Thus, green energy is an important variable that contributes to environmental productivity and sustainability.

A key factor behind this evolution is the widespread fear about the repercussions of climate change. This means the governments should not just set objectives for green energy production, but also support primary efforts by the power-generation industry.

Our country should also support a green energy strategy and explore research hotspots, such as solar energy utilisation, biomass conversion, carbon dioxide emissions, green building, low-carbon roadmap and energy policy.

In addition, efficiency (one-time action comprising the purchase of energy-efficient equipment) and curtailment behaviour (repetitive efforts to reduce energy usage) are also required to fuel the growth and advancement of green energy.

Dr Ainy Zehra
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2022