| Abstract |
Most of the high enthalpy geothermal resources of the world are within the seismic belts associated with zones of crustal weakness such as plate margins and centers of volcanic activity. A global seismic belt passes through Pakistan and the country has a long geological history of geotectonic events: Permo-carboniferous volcanism (Panjal traps in Kashmir) as a result of rifting of Iran-Afghanistan microplates, Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous rifting of the Indo-Pakistan Plate, widespread volcanism during Late Cretaceous (Deccan traps) attributed to the appearance of a "hot spot" in the region, emergence of a chain of volcanic islands along the margins of the Indo-Pakistan Plate, collision of India and Asia (Late Cretaceous-Paleocene) and the consequent Himalayan upheaval, and Neogene-Quaternary-volcanism in the Chagai District. This geotectonic framework suggests that Pakistan should not be lacking in commercially exploitable sources of geothermal energy. This view is further strengthened by the fairly extensive development of alteration zones and fumeroles in many regions of Pakistan, presence of a fairly large number of hot springs in different parts of the country, and indications of Quaternary volcanism. These manifestations of geothermal energy are found within three geotectonic or geothermal environments, i.e., (i) geo-pressurised systems related to basin subsidence, (ii) seismotectonic or suture-related systems, and (iii) systems related to Neogene-Quaternary volcanism. Pakistan, despite the enormous potential of its energy resources, remains energy deficient and has to rely heavily on imports of hydrocarbon products to satisfy hardly its needs. Moreover, a very large part of the rural areas does not have the electrification facilities because they are either too remote and/or too expensive to connect to the national grid. Pakistan has wide spectrum of high potential renewable energy sources, conventional and as well non-conventional, which have not been adequately explored, exploited and developed. Geothermal energy is one of them. Pakistan can be benefited by harnessing the geothermal option of energy generation as substitute energy in areas where sources exist. As Pakistan is the agricultural country and also has tremendous mineral potential where the major part of population lives in the rural areas, the electricity generated by renewable sources will also improve rural life, thereby reducing the urban migration that is taxing the ability of cities to cope with their own environmental problems. |