Prospects of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines for Urban Electrification in Pakistan

In the modern world wind energy is becoming a significant part of the energy mix in developed countries of Asia, Europe, and America. Importantly, China has installed wind turbines, which is almost half of the world's installed wind power capacity. Similarly, Denmark is producing 42% of its total electricity from wind. Currently, Pakistan is experiencing an acute level of electricity shortage, which causes blackouts of several hours per day. Furthermore, due to modernization, the electricity demand is increasing rapidly as compared to the installed capacity of electricity generation. Therefore, to cope with rising electricity demand without harming the environment, a smooth transition from thermal towards renewable energy is required. One short-term alternative to meet the uprising electricity demand is to allow the community to produce electric power by wind energy. Fortunately, Pakistan has enormous wind energy potential. The total extractable wind power capacity is 120 GW. Urban cities like Karachi, Hyderabad and Quetta have an average wind speed of 3-4.5 m/s at 10-meter height, which is best suitable for small scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT). Like, India, Brazil and other developing countries, Pakistan should take measures to utilize the VAWT technology for electricity production at a community level.