Pakistan’s energy ministry launches study to improve industrial boiler efficiency

Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy has commenced an extensive study to map the population of industrial boilers across Pakistan and evaluate their energy efficiency through detailed audits.

This initiative, detailed in an official document, marks the first step in enhancing the efficiency of industrial boilers nationwide.

The industrial sector, a cornerstone of Pakistan's economy, is notably energy-intensive.

In fiscal year 2024, the manufacturing sector contributed 11.9% to the country's GDP and provided 14.9% of direct employment.

Furthermore, it is the second-largest energy consumer, accounting for 31% of Pakistan's total final energy consumption during the 2022-23 fiscal year.

According to the NEECA (National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) Action Plan for 2023-30, industrial boilers offer significant energy-saving potential—estimated at 0.36 million tons of oil equivalent (MTOE) annually.

However, most of these boilers are outdated and lack instrumentation to effectively monitor fuel input and steam output, leading to inefficient combustion, unburned fuel, and reduced efficiency.

The study outlines several key objectives:

The research will span Pakistan's entire geography, with a particular focus on major industrial hubs, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Peshawar, Hattar, Quetta, and Hub, as well as other key industrial regions.

This initiative aims to identify inefficiencies and guide energy-saving reforms, with the ultimate goal of bolstering Pakistan’s industrial energy performance and achieving sustainable energy management.