Review of Energy Consumption and Potential of Renewable Energy in Agriculture Sector: A Case Study of Pothohar Region of Pakistan

Abstract

Energy is a key indicator of economic development, living standards and generation of wealth of any country. Globally, energy generation scenario is shifting towards renewable sources and its application in different sectors for example Agriculture. Oil, gas and coal. The same is true for Pakistan that has agriculture based economy. The present study was undertaken to review energy consumption in the agriculture sector of Pothohar region of Pakistan. This region has no proper irrigation system due to its topography. Additionally, potential of renewable energy in Pothohar region that includes solar, wind and biogas has been calculated from the data, taken from different sources. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that the solar energy potential in Pothohar region is ~ 97321 MW, only ~ 126 MW (0.12 %) is used in Agriculture sector for different farm operations. Likewise, only 51 MW of wind energy is exploited from 63000 MW, and the potential of biogas is ~ 331, 239 m3/day (from live stocks and poultry only). It is deduced from the data that only 0.2% of total available renewable energy is used, whereas 99.8% non-renewable energy is used in agricultural practices e.g. for the production of fertilizers (38.5%), water pumping (5.1%), farm machinery (56.2%).