Greener energy: Issues and challenges for Pakistan-wind power prospective

Energy is one of the essential inputs for economic development and industrialization. A reliable supply of energy is essential to maintain and to improve human being's living conditions. The management of energy sources, rational utilization of energy, and renewable energy source usages are vital. Among the renewable energy sources wind energy is currently viewed as one of the most significant, fastest growing, and commercially attractive source to generate electrical energy because of the mature and cost effective energy conversation technology. Developing a utility-scale wind project is a complicated and time-consuming process which involves developers, landowners, utilities, the public and various local authorities. This article discusses the past, the present and the future of wind energy use in Pakistan. The efforts for the utilization of wind energy in the country are presented as well, along with barriers in its development. It is concluded that the potential exists, but significant efforts are needed to effectively make use of this cheap renewable energy source. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.