Natural Gas Potential of Pakistan an Important Parameter in Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most challenging issues in Pakistan and has affected humans in every sphere of life. Pakistan is ranked on 8th in the world among the countries emitting Greenhouse gases (GHG). Such an extensive emission of GHG is due to the growing number of industrial units and urban centres consuming fossil fuels that emit GHG at a large scale. Mitigating the GHG emission indeed is a challenge for Pakistan. This manuscript highlights the GHG emission status and provides recommendations with suitable alternatives to mitigate the emission. Simultaneously, the study explores the impact of switching over the fuels from conventional fossil fuels to unconventional natural gas as a source of energy for domestic use, transportations and industrial sectors to mitigate the GHG emission. Natural gas is considered as green fuel due to the low carbon emission ratio as other fuels e.g. coal and oil. If Pakistan becomes successful in exploring and exploiting the indigenous untapped natural gas resources, that will eventually support in reducing the GHG emissions. This is only possible by making new natural gas reservoir discoveries. Discovering new gas reservoirs from unconventional resources is also very challenging and requires investment and modification in existing energy policies. In addition, the government should encourage the Exploration Production (EP) companies to exploit the hidden natural gas potential that will assist in both alleviating the energy deficit and reducing the GHG emission. The findings of the present study analysis have substantial implications regarding GHG mitigation, energy transition, and economic development.