Junaid ur Rehman
, Haseen Ullah, Asfandyar Khalid, Zeeshan Ahmad
Pakistan depends too much on fossil fuels. Current energy shortage started a debate over mega dams’ erection as Pakistan cannot afford its dependence on fossil fuel for energy generation for too long. Besides hydro, Pakistan has potential for other renewable sources of energy, Wind energy is one of them. In this study socio-economic assessment of wind energy project and mega hydro energy project is done. Socio-economic assessment includes land acquisition, resettlement issues, capital cost, tariff and operation and maintenance cost, taking Tarbella dam and FFCEL as case studies. After comparison of every aspect in details it is assessed that relocation of displaced people proves to be disastrous in mega hydro energy projects along with disadvantages such as waterlogging and salination around reservoir. Other than that, mega hydro projects generate clean and cheap electricity and provides reservoir for water storage to avoid floods, water scarcity and for irrigation purposes. Wind energy is not so damaging socially, despite, few small social hindrances such as noise pollution and infrastructure. Wind energy capital cost is very high and requires high expertise, above all, the biggest problem lies in intermittent supply of power and smaller life span of the project as compared to mega hydro power projects. If relocation process of displaced people is handled properly in mega hydro energy projects the overall socio-economic benefits of mega hydro projects are more than wind energy projects in current scenario. Pakistan should build mega hydro energy projects currently, but to cope with the global community she should also focus on wind energy as well for future.
Junaid ur Rehman Haseen Ullah Asfandyar Khalid Zeeshan Ahmad “Socio-Economic Assessment of Mega Hydro Project and Wind Energy Project” International Journal of Engineering Works Vol. 9 Issue 03 PP. 51-56 March 2022 https://doi.org/10.34259/ijew.22.9035156.
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