Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. By using electricity we can split the water into separate entities- oxygen gas and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen can be safely burned to produce heat and water vapours.
Hydrogen producing kits are used around the world to produce gas from water for cooking food and efficient heating. The units are small and only require water and electricity. Many countries are also combining this hydrogen with nitrogen from the air to produce fertilizer.
Since the main reason for the high rate of deforestation in Pakistan is the use of wood for cooking fuel. Pakistan has excessive energy during the winter months when heating is needed the most.
Therefore the government of Pakistan should install hydrogen generation in areas close to a cheap renewable energy source like dams. Local homes and businesses would be given piped and metered gas connections. The whole setup, customer service and bill collection would be handled by a new green hydrogen management provincial company.
The new provincial company would also be mandated to promote green hydrogen, set safety standards, construct underground H2 storage, conduct research in green hydrogen and also accept new private sector business proposals in green hydrogen, which they would forward to KP Government for approval. The private sector can even set up green fertilizer companies.
SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER
Peshawar
