Search

Over the years, Governments of South Asia have faced the challenge of achieving the goal of sustainable development. On the one hand, they must satisfy the ever-growing demand for energy and, on the other hand, the interminable deterioration of the environment is causing great concern among political economists. The widening gap between the demand and supply of energy, over-reliance on the use of fossil fuels, and increasing import bills due to rising global prices are the challenges that South Asia is facing. These can be overcome by using its great potential in renewables. This paper uses SWOT methodology to identify that the poor financial situation of the distribution companies, due to power losses and non-cost-reflective tariffs, and the lack of credit opportunities, due to high interest rates and inaccessibility of loans for the long-term, are the major impediments to the growth of the renewable energy sector of the region. Moreover, there is a conflict of interest between the manufacturers of renewable energy equipment and the developers of renewable energy projects in terms of Government policy concerning the imposition of import duties. India is moving towards protection of the former, while the latter see opportunities in the renewable energy sector of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates asymmetric effects of renewable and nuclear energy on economic growth by extending production function along with labor and capital for Pakistan's economy. Paper utilises non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model with the yearly data of 1990–2016 to extract reliable facts. Results reveal the presence of asymmetric co-integration among variables. Results offer evidence of positive and negative shocks to renewable and nuclear energy variables will have positive impact on economic growth. Further, capital formation contributes positive to economic growth. Addition to this, two more conventional models have been constructed to investigate asymmetric impacts of economic growth, oil prices, oil consumption and CO 2 emissions on nuclear and renewable energy consumption. Results reveal that oil consumption leads to a negative impact on renewable energy consumption while it is neutral for nuclear energy consumption. Oil price was having neutral impact on renewable and nuclear energy consumption. Policy suggestions are given based on empirical results. Highlights • Renewable energy consumption has asymmetric positive affect on economic growth. • Nuclear energy consumption shows a positive and asymmetric linkages with economic growth. • Oil consumption has negative impact on renewable energy consumption. • Oil price shows neutral impact on renewable and nuclear energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critics have investigated the relationship between fossil energy and conflicts, incorporating political, military, economic and social factors that have led to these clashes. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, no econometric study has examined the causal relationship between renewable or fossil energy and conflicts such as terrorism in the case of Pakistan. This paper examines the relationship between terrorism, renewable energy and the consumption of fossil energy in Pakistan, taking into consideration several factors such as economic growth and income inequality. This study uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) testing approach to examine the long-term relationship between the considered variables over the annual period of 1980–2015. The Wald test confirms the existence of long-term relationships between our variables. Granger causality reveals long-term bi-directional causalities between all variables. Although, in the short term there are bidirectional causal links between renewable energy and fossil energy, the study shows that there are short-term unidirectional causalities running from terrorism and fossil energy to GDP, from GDP to renewable energy, and from income inequality to fossil energy. In fact, long-term parameter indicates that fossil energy reduces terrorism and that renewable energy consumption increases fossil energy. In contrast to the long-term parameter, the study reveals that economic growth increases terrorism in Pakistan. Moreover, this project suggests that Pakistan continue to encourage the use of renewable and fossil energies by (or through) intensifying its diplomatic efforts to resolve political and military conflicts around the world, particularly in the Middle East. • There is short-run bidirectional causality between renewable and fossil energy. • There is long-run bidirectional causality between renewable energy and terrorism. • In the short-run economic growth increases terrorism. • In the long-run renewable energy increases fossil energy and reduces terrorism. • This study has significant implications for policy making in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy is the cornerstone of our future energy needs. In particular, solar energy is being utilized at a faster pace than ever. Floating Solar Photovoltaics (FSPV) has recently gained traction as a suitable alternative of land-based large scale PV installation. It is a promising technology to utilize water surfaces for placing solar plants. Not only it utilizes the water as real estate but it has several other advantages as well. For example, FSPV can use the existing transmission and distribution infrastructure that is the part of hydroelectric power plants. In this paper, we evaluate an FSPV plant and its integration with the existing hydroelectric power station of a small reservoir in Pakistan. We have investigated the 500 kV, 132 kV and 11 kV voltage levels for the integration of FSPV plant. Moreover, we have devised a hydro-solar optimization model for the efficient utilization of energy. The combined system consisting of hydroelectric and 200 MWp FSPV produces more than 3.5% additional power overall when compared with production of only hydroelectric power. More importantly the FSPV generation coincides with the daily mid-day peak load thus works as a peaker plant for the national grid. • Combination of FSPV and Hydroelectric is utilized for peak load demand hours. • Reservoir area feasibility and elevation study for installation of FSPV on hydroelectric reservoir is carried out. • Evaluation of various grid integration options are carried out. • Optimization model is presented for FSPV and hydroelectric combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cointegration levels among life expectancy and its determinants have explored. • The structural breaks stemming in the data has been investigated with ARDL. • Economic growth is positively associated with life expectancy. • Energy consumption lowers life expectancy via environmental degradation. This paper tends to investigate the linkage between economic growth and life expectancy by considering the potential role of financial development and energy consumption using data of Pakistan. Traditional as well as advanced unit root tests for observing the stationary properties of the variables were applied. For exploring the cointegration levels among life expectancy and its determinants, ARDL bounds testing technique in the existence of structural breaks which were stemming in the data has been investigated. The empirical results provide the confirmation for the presence of cointegration between the variables. Further, economic growth is positively associated with life expectancy. Financial development is revealing a negative effect on life expectancy in the scenario of Pakistan. Energy consumption lowers life expectancy via environmental degradation. Furthermore, this empirical analysis provides new insights to policymakers for using financial development and energy consumption as economic tools to improve life expectancy by directing energy and finance policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the countries such as Pakistan, for analyzing the losses and techniques in the power distribution and for mitigating, are the two active areas of research which is spread globally for increasing the accessibility of power irrespective of installing future generation equipment. As, the Technical Loss and the Non-Technical Loss are accounted by the total energy losses. They both are also referred as TL and NTLs. In terms of the non-technical losses there are major financial losses for the utility companies present in the countries that are in the developing stage. NTLs is the major cause for the additional losses and also it includes the part of damaging the network that includes the infrastructure and network reliability reduction. This paper is subjected to investigating the non-technical losses in terms of the power distribution systems. In addition to that, the consumer energy consumption information is used for analyzing the NTLs from Rawalpindi region from the different feeder source. The data of Low Voltage (LV) of the distribution network are focused more that consists of commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural consumers by the use of KWh interval data which is captured over a month using the smart meter infrastructure. The discussion of this review paper determines analysis and prevention techniques of NTLs to safeguard from the illegal use of the electricity in the distribution of electrical power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper empirically examines the cointegrating relationship between carbon emissions, energy consumption, trade openness and financial development in Pakistan using ARDL bounds test for cointegration procedure. Annual time series data is used for the period 1971–2011. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between carbon emission and energy consumption with a maximum threshold value of energy consumption per capita 640 kg of oil equivalent. Currently, the economy is operating below this level and therefore it is expected that carbon emission will continue to rise gradually over some time until the threshold level is reached. The lower than threshold level of energy consumption implies that scale and composition effects dominate the technology effect in terms of energy use. Further, the long-run results indicate that one percent increase in trade openness and financial development will increase carbon emission by 0.247% and 0.165%, respectively. The short-run elasticities are 0.122% and 0.087% for trade openness and financial development, respectively. The Granger causality results indicate a unidirectional causality from energy consumption, trade openness and financial development to carbon emission; and a bi-directional causality between energy consumption and financial development. In line with the results and given the growing focus on climate change effects in Pakistan, the paper discusses some policy issues for consideration and highlights the need to interpret elasticities with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pakistan is facing electricity crises owing to lack of integrated energy planning, reliance on imported fuels for power generation, and poor governance. This situation has challenged governments for over a decade to address these crises. However, despite various conformist planning and policy initiatives, the balance between demand and supply of electricity is yet to be achieved. In this study, Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) is used to develop Pakistan's LEAP modeling framework for the period 2015–2050. Following demand forecast, four supply side scenarios; Reference (REF), Renewable Energy Technologies (RET), Clean Coal Maximum (CCM) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) are enacted considering resource potential, techno-economic parameters, and CO 2 emissions. The model results estimate the demand forecast of 1706.3 TWh in 2050, at an annual average growth rate of 8.35%, which is 19 times higher than the base year demand. On the supply side, RET scenario, although capital-intensive earlier in the modeling period, is found to be the sustainable electricity generation path followed by EEC scenario with the lower demand of 1373.2 TWh and minimum Net Present Value (NPV) at an aggregate discount rate of 6%. Conclusion section of the paper provides the recommendations devised from this study results. Highlights • Pakistan's electricity system modeled for the period of 2015–2050 using LEAP tool. • Electricity demand for Pakistan in 2050 has been forecasted as 1706 TWh • Energy efficiency & conservation scenario decreases 20% of electricity demand by 2050. • Four supply side scenarios developed to meet both of these forecasted demands. • Role of energy efficiency improvement & renewable energy integration is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of Pakistan is increasing rapidly and hence the energy demand. Since ninety׳s, people of Pakistan has been experiencing load shedding because of the intense shortfall throughout the country. Pakistan, being an agricultural country, has a lot of potential of renewable energy sources especially biomass. The thing is to utilize the potential in a right direction. This paper presents the policy direction to get rid of the current energy crisis in the country through utilization of different types of biomass. The animal manure, municipal solid wastes and the crop residues are the main biomass sources in the country. This study also focuses the potential of main biomass sources present in the country and its technical routes for the production of bioenergy. The design parameters for standard bioreactor of gasifier and anaerobic digestion and their economic comparison are highlighted with respect to Pakistan environmental conditions. The development of anaerobic digestion technology is reviewed critically. This paper also discusses the different scenarios for the use of biomass sources in urban and rural environment. This verifies the use of biogas energy as the cheapest and the safest way to remove the crisis from the country. The stand-alone biogas plants should be constructed throughout the country where there is not electrification infrastructure exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is facing increasing power shortage from the last two decades. The Government of Pakistan (GoP) has taken various remedial measures and is offering incentives for private investment to generate electricity at cheap rates. New hydropower dams were proposed in the past, such as Kalabagh Dam, but could not be commissioned to date. Fossil fuels are depleting and oil has to be imported for oil-fired power plants, which is highly expensive and a burden for the country's economy. This scenario has raised serious concerns among citizens. In this frustrating situation, there is dire need for exploration and installation of alternate renewable energy resources, in particular, wind energy and solar energy to augment the existing power generation and distribution apparatus. These then need to be integrated with the national power grid. Pakistan has enormous wind energy potential, especially in three of its four provinces namely, Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK), Sindh and Balochistan. The country's multifarious terrain includes coastal and hilly areas suitable for installation of large wind turbines. The GoP has taken active steps towards measuring wind speed statistics in various parts of the country. In this paper, the authors analyze wind speed data for the mentioned three provinces. The fourth province, Punjab, has very limited wind energy potential and hence is not considered. Wind speed data for Jiwani (a reference site in Balochistan) was obtained from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) as a case study. The paper attempts to assess how much wind energy can be harnessed from the three provinces. It then focuses on Jiwani whose specific power density is estimated for wind turbine sizing. Lastly, a practical scheme is proposed for integration of wind power output (from windy sites) with the national power grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, carbon emissions reduction is a very important challenge all over the world. Improvement of human capital helps to reduce carbon emissions. This paper studies the long- and short-term effects of human capital on carbon emissions in Pakistan from 1971 to 2014. We employ an autoregressive distributed lag model and the vector error correction model to analyze the co-integration and direction of causalities between human capital and carbon emissions, respectively. Results show that a significant long-term relationship exists between human capital and carbon emissions. Improvement of human capital will reduce carbon emissions without decreasing economic growth. Granger causality test results describe the bidirectional causality that exists between human capital and carbon emissions in the long term and no causality in the short term. Human capital and economic growth have feedback effects in the long term and no effect in the short term. The results of this study show that improvement in human capital through education will help carbon emissions reduction in the long term. This study will help policymakers devise a comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon emissions through improvement of human capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many developing countries are acutely vulnerable to global climate changes. Pakistan ranks amongst the top of those nations where vulnerability index due to climate changes is very high. Though many of these are not major contributors to the Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions, yet they have adequate potential to mitigate GHGs in various sectors. The power sector, for instance, is one of the major contributors to GHGs in Pakistan and has prospects of abating GHGs by undertaking alternative and improving measures. The GHG contribution from grid connected power plants can be estimated through baseline emissions factor. This paper has calculated this baseline emission factor by determining annual fossil fuel consumption in the grid connected power plants, their net efficiencies, energy outputs and carbon emissions from each fuel source. The data in this regard has been collected from Pakistan Energy Year Book published in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and through related government agencies. The tools, procedures and methodologies of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are followed in this regard. The paper has calculated that the weighted average baseline emissions factor for power sector in Pakistan is 0.566tCO2/MWh (tons of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour) for wind and solar power projects and 0.478tCO2/MWh for hydro power projects excluding Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) grid and 0.606tCO2/MWh for wind and solar power projects and 0.505tCO2/MWh for hydro by including KESC grid. This baseline emissions factor is also a determinant of the amount of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) that can be accrued by implementing clean Alternative and Renewable Energy (ARE) projects. The amount of CERs generated by an ARE project also have the prospects to earn the carbon revenue streams. The paper has also suggested measures for mitigating grid emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pakistan is facing severe electricity supply shortages, causing forced power outages over the last decade ranging from 8 to 12 h a day in urban areas and up to 18 h in rural areas. The major causes behind the increasing gap between supply and demand are mainly increases in electricity demand on one hand, and depleting energy resources and financial constraints on the other. In this context the government has been taking various measures, including a partial restructuring of the electricity sector under guidelines from international financing institutes. At present, the country is, therefore, not only facing a serious challenge of meeting the electricity demand but is also facing the challenge of ensuring energy security in the context of globally important climate change issues. The role of policy makers at this stage is crucial for not only assessing and reviewing the current strategies to minimize the electricity supply and demand gap, but also the need to develop future strategies, ensuring affordable electricity with efficient generation, transmission and distribution towards sustainable development in the country. This paper provides a review of the current energy situation, discussion on policy drivers and plans, analysis of the issues of the power sector as well as recommendations for narrowing the electricity supply-demand gap towards sustainable electricity for the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the presence of dynamic causality between economic growth, energy consumption and CO2 emissions for Pakistan. We first test for the presence of bi-variate long run relationships between these variables using Johansen-Julius co-integration test. The robustness of the long-run relationship results has been examined using ARDL approach to cointegration. Existence of Grangers' long run, short run and strong causalities has been studied in a VECM framework. The short run, long run and strong Granger causality results indicate the presence of bidirectional causalities between energy consumption, economic growth and the CO2 emissions. Implications of the results suggest that government should focus on building resources for ensuring adequate energy supplies in the economy by gradually increasing the share of renewable energy resources in the overall energy mix. Footprints of Denmark, Norway and Germany in Europe and Mauritius in Africa can be followed who have gradually increased energy production from renewable resources over the years. Furthermore, emission abatement activities should be made the central agenda in energy and environmental policies of Pakistan for reduction in damages associated with CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the ways to address the woes of energy crisis effectively in the developing world is through the use of Geothermal energy resources. This paper discusses the Geothermal technologies in use globally with emphasis on the development paths. The development efforts in Pakistan are discussed focusing on the areas requiring attention. It has been found that while considerable potential for Geothermal energy is available in the form of Hydrothermal resources and Hot Dry rocks, however no appreciable practical steps have been undertaken in this regard. Shallow geothermal energy and Direct-use of Geothermal energy that is independent of terrain and resource has also not been pursued in Pakistan. The study discusses the stages of development, the current status of Geothermal energy in Pakistan and identifies the steps for initiating progress. Further, it is an established fact that the maximum consumption of energy in the domestic and industrial sector is in HVAC and process heat respectively. Shallow geothermal energy can fulfill this demand efficiently. Government support can play an important role in developing the Geothermal resource of the country. A number of steps have been suggested for the Government as well as research institutions that can inject impetus and enhance the pace of development of this significant but ignored Energy resource in the developing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reinvestigates the relationship between urbanization and energy consumption in case of Pakistan for the period of 1972Q1-2011Q4 by employing the STIRPAT (Stochastic Impact by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology) model. We have employed the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration in the presence of structural breaks stemming in the series to count for these missing elements in other studies. Finally, the VECM Granger causality approach has been applied to examine the causal relationship between the variables. Our results show that urbanization adds in energy consumption. Affluence (economic growth) increases energy demand. Technology has positive impact on energy consumption. An increase in transportation is positively linked with energy consumption. The causality analysis indicates the unidirectional causality running from urbanization to energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A realistic and integrated PSH and CH model is proposed for optimum energy management. • PSH balances energy supply and demand for intermittent renewable energy. • PSH sites with added water streams feeding upper reservoir incur net positive generation. • PSH reduced pumping energy consumption and enhanced off-peak annual energy production. The energy sector contributes to around 60% of total greenhouse gas emissions. To limit climate change, the world is going through an energy transition to clean and affordable energy, therefore the share of variable renewable energy is increasing day by day. Power systems require significant flexibility to operate reliably. Pumped storage hydropower allows load balancing and stable integration of intermittent renewable energy in the electrical grid. All energy storage technologies, including pumped storage hydropower, are considered a net negative contributor to the grid since they draw more energy than they deliver. This paper uniquely investigates the true potential of pumped storage hydropower and its optimum operation along with existing conventional hydropower. It considers power, energy production, and utilization for both installations to determine an equilibrium condition for a net positive energy balance. The case study of the 300 MW Balakot conventional hydropower plant in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan indicates that the pumped storage hydropower sites, where additional water streams reach the upper storage reservoir, can reduce pumping energy consumption by up to 166 GWh/year. Accordingly, a pumped storage hydropower facility is proposed at Paras, Pakistan, modeled, and optimized in an integrated manner with the Balakot conventional hydropower plant for a net positive annual energy generation and profitability. The integrated power and energy modeling and capacity optimization of the hydropower complex highlight the importance of suitable site selection for pumped storage hydropower near existing conventional hydropower reservoirs. Value-added contribution of this configuration is that it can enhance annual energy generation from integrated conventional hydropower, reduce the upfront capital cost of the project by 10–15%, squeeze the project implementation schedule and result in a smaller carbon footprint to meet the ultimate objective of limiting climate change. Additionally, it unlocks huge untapped pumped storage hydropower potential besides existing conventional hydropower. Furthermore, the study guides the scientific and engineering organizations on optimum capacity utilization without impeding energy generation from conventional hydropower facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper empirically examines the impact of energy prices on economic growth in Pakistan using various channel variables. For this purpose, a macroeconometric model is estimated using GMM estimation technique using quarterly data for the period 1991–2011. The results indicate that the overall effect of energy prices on growth is negative, confirming results from existing empirical literature for Pakistan. However, our methodology allows us to go beyond previous research and describe what drives this overall result. We find evidence that high energy price decreases real interest rate, investment and stock prices. It also decreases the real value of local currency. High energy price puts pressure on government expenditures and increases unemployment in the country. The results reveal that energy price positively affects output growth through its impact on real interest rate and government consumption, while it negatively affects output growth through investment, stock prices, real exchange rate and unemployment. The results show that most of the effect of energy price on economic growth is captured by stock prices, real exchange rate, government consumption and unemployment. In turn, real interest rate and investment captures a small effect of energy price on economic growth. The study highlights that to improve economic growth policy makers in Pakistan should design appropriate policies to control energy prices and to plan energy conservative policies that will motivate to explore alternative energy sources to meet high energy demand in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel cell technology holds the combination of benefits, which are barely offered by any other energy generating technology. Because the fuel used in this technology is found in abundance in nature and can also be renewed/sustained. Pakistan is blessed with renewable energy resources which are suitable for fuel cell technology. Therefore, fuel cell technology offers a great opportunity to meet the demand of energy and for the sustainable development of Pakistan. The energy research group at COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Lahore has made efforts to study the technical aspects of fuel cell technology and its commercial benefits. The research group is interested in finding ways and means of generating and storing the energy produced by using fuel cells. In this paper, the research activities on fuel cell technology in Pakistan have been reviewed and it is also discussed how this technology can resolve the current energy crises in Pakistan and can be the source of sustainable energy. It has been also reviewed that the country would greatly benefit from fuel cells and fuel cell hybrid system (environmental friendly technology), which could be the best solution for electricity production as well for automobile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the Environmental Kuznets Curve relationship between travel and tourism and ecological footprint in Pakistan over the period 1980–2017. For this purpose, the impact of tourism development, economic growth, energy consumption, trade openness and foreign direct investments on ecological footprint is empirically examined within the EKC framework. The ARDL bounds and Bayer and Hanck tests indicate that variables in this study have long-term cointegration. Results revealed a tourism-led growth hypothesis and an inverted U-shaped relationship between travel and tourism and ecological footprint in Pakistan. The ARDL and Toda-Yamamoto non-causality results also reveal that energy use and trade openness are at the cost of ecological footprint. Moreover, inflow of foreign direct investment also adds environmental degradation and support pollution haven hypothesis. Thus, sustainable tourism, fuel mix variation and services sector oriented foreign direct investment should be the target of policymakers. • This paper inspect the tourism-led-growth and EKC hypothesis. • Both conventional and new turning point formulas reveals EKC hypothesis between travel & tourism and EF. • Results show that FDI deteriorates environmental quality and support pollution haven hypothesis. • International Trade in Pakistan is environment friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at exploring the finance–growth–energy nexus for Pakistan over the 1972–2012 period. By employing the system GMM estimation technique, the study tries to capture the impact of financial development over energy consumption through economic growth channel and includes energy prices and urbanization in the structural model. The study finds positive and significant impact of economic growth and urbanization on energy consumption, while the effect of energy prices over energy consumption is significant but negative. Financial development positively and significantly affects energy consumption through the economic growth channel. Our analysis is important for policy makers for effective energy demand planning and conservation policies that would ensure sustainable economic development as well as serve as motivation to search alternative energy sources to meet the bourgeoning energy demand in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of land use competition, bioenergy is often subject to controversial discussions. This paper presents a study, which addresses the scope of geographic discrete biomass growth, optimal bio-energy plant locations, and related biomass supply areas. In a first step, annual biomass growth is calculated with the BETHY/DLR model on a spatial resolution of 1 km 2 . In a second step, the ASECO model is utilized to identify optimal plant locations with related biomass supply areas, determined by biomass growth rates and available road infrastructure. The case study is carried out for Pakistan. Scenarios have been investigated on district level, with a special focus on total supply areas for single power plants at identified locations, as well as supply area deviations over the years due to varying biomass growth rates. Achieved results are relevant for the political debate on an optimal bioenergy strategy for Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for energy is constantly rising in developing countries. Ocean waves with continuous energy flux can contribute to universal energy production. The wave energy has its advantages of renewable, non-polluting and large storage, however, the technological solution to extract energy from oceans is still at early stages. In this paper, a strategy is devised to estimate wave power potential for a developing country. Pakistan is considered as a use case on the basis of less renewable energy share and facing energy crises. In this study, wave energy potential is estimated for power generation by excluding the sensitive areas from the exclusive economic zone. The year long significant wave height and mean wave period data set is used for the purpose. A GIS based multi-criteria overlay analysis model is implemented using different restriction and weighted factors such as ocean bathymetry, distance to ports and shoreline. The results show that average wave power is peaked at 9.15 kW/m in the summer season and 85% of Pakistan economic zone is suitable for wave farm development. The wave energy potential assessment is coupled by extractable power estimation that is worked out by assessing the performance of commercial wave energy converters in regional context. • A strategy to estimate wave power potential of a marine economic zone is devised. • Potential area is estimated by sensitive area subtraction using GIS and overlay analysis. • Temporal variations and the annual average wave energy potential is quantified. • Power pattern knowledge is transformed for WEC power plants development. • Commercial wave energy converters are compared for performance efficiency in regional sea conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effect of remittance income on energy consumption and the economy between 1976 and 2019 in the four highest remittance recipient nations of South Asia. The detailed analysis explores long-run and directional relationships utilizing stationary tests, the panel cointegration test, dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), and Granger causality tests using a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study reveals the presence of long-run relationships among remittances, energy consumption, GDP and urbanization. Cointegrating regression identifies that remittance income, economic growth and urbanization individually have a positive and significant effect on energy consumption in the long-run. Results showed that a 1% increase in remittance income results in a 0.045% increase in energy consumption. Among nations analyzed, this effect was found to be strongly dominant in case of Bangladesh and Pakistan. The statistically significant and negative coefficient of the error correction term confirms long-run causality from remittance, GDP, and urbanization toward energy consumption. Variance decomposition analysis demonstrated that energy usage is heavily impacted by remittance inflows among studied variables. Policy implications of this study suggest that higher remittance inflows will increase energy consumption in South Asian countries, engendering positive economic growth and sustainable development. Image 1 • The effects of remittance on energy consumption studied for South Asian countries. • Novel statistical approaches applied to explore the causality and direction between remittance income and energy use. • Remittance income provides a potential stimulus toward national investments and ensures reliable and clean energy sources. • It is evidence that 1% raise in remittance income results in a 0.045% increase in energy consumption in the long run. • Policy makers can formulate strategic plans for migrant workers to ensure affordable clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the electricity production from different sources in Pakistan, and the contribution of these sources to economic growth. An ADF (Augmented Dickey-Fuller) unit root test was used to check the variables stationarity, while an ARDL bounds testing approach was used to check the long-term relationship among the study variables. Results illustrate that electricity produced from coal, hydropower, natural gas and nuclear sources has a significant influence on the economic growth of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]