LAHORE: (Tuesday, July 17, 2012): Punjab University Center for Coal Technology Director Prof Dr Shahid Munir participated in UK-Pakistan Coal Conference UK PKCC-2012 held at University of Leeds, UK. A large number of delegates from Pakistan participated in the conference. The focus of the conference was the utilization of Pakistan coal for power generation. Delegates from Pakistan Petroleum Ltd, National University of Science and Technology, University of Bedfordshire, Sindh University, Mehran University of Engg & Tec, PIEAS-Pakistan, Last Log Ltd, University of Leeds, IEA Clean Coal, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, National Institute for Bio Technology and Genetic Egg, Deep Rock Drilling Private Ltd, Sarhad University of Science and Technology, Fuel Research Centre-PSCIR, PINSTECH, PAEC, University of Karachi, Centre for Energy Systems NUST, UCG Association, Clean Coal Ltd, DRD, University of the Punjab, University of Engg & Tec, PCSIR, Coal Power Project, Oracle Coalfields, EBRI/ Aston University, NFC Institute of Engg and Fertilizer Research and GL Noble Denton participated in the conference.

Prof Dr Shahid delivered key note address on 3rd day of the conference on “Energy Crisis in Pakistan & its Solution”. He stressed that open pit mining is the right strategy to utilize Thar Coal. He rejected Thar Coal Underground Gasification Project. He proved with facts and figures that it is not technically and economically feasible. Moreover, he said that Underground Coal Gasification is not a commercial technology and not even a single MW is being generated through Underground Coal Gasification anywhere in the world. He said that a low calorific value gas with high vapors and pollutants as a result of underground coal gasification will be obtained that can not be link with the National Grid neither suitable for power generation at all. He said Pakistan should pursue proven and tested technologies like open pit mining. He presented his research paper on The Utilization of Sugarcane Biogases and Secondary Fuel in large Scale Combustion system for power generation. His work and key note address was highly appreciated.