Shale Gas Could Reduce Energy Poverty in Pakistan

Developing domestic shale gas and oil resources will be a giant step towards reducing energy poverty in Pakistan, according to a study report published by a Pakistani think tank.

A report titled ‘Shale oil and gas: Lifeline for Pakistan’ by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) says that shale gas exploration and production have the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy and can revolutionize energy mix existing within the country.

“The effect of shale gas can be far reaching, and it therefore needs to be given adequate importance at highest level. We recommend the convening of special task force on shale oil and gas development,” said Arshad H Abbasi, the lead author of the report.

The report estimates that around 75,000 jobs will be generated during the exploration of shale oil and gas and would offer sustainable livelihoods in least developed areas.

Pakistan has been facing severe energy shortage for last few years and is trying to source natural gas from various sources. It has been in discussion with Qatar to import LNG. Pakistan is also working to get gas from Iran through the proposed Iran-Pakistan pipeline project, which at the moment is stuck due to US sanctions on Tehran, although Iran has completed the section of pipeline that lies on its soil.

The south Asia nation is also trying to attract international energy firms to explore for unconventional natural gas. In January, Eni and Pakistan discussed the need of enhancing country’s gas production by exploiting shale gas. 

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