Title: Data-based Interventions for a Robust Energy Sector in Pakistan
| Affiliation: | Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, LUMS | |
| Date and Time of Talk: | 15th DECEMBER 2022 | 10:00 AM – 10:40 AM |
Abstract:
Pakistan energy sector is facing numerous challenges. The circular debt stands at Rs. 2.5 trillion for the electricity sector and Rs. 1.6 trillion for the gas sector. The circular debt is mounting at a rate of 2-3 billions daily. With this colossal debt it seems that the sector may cripple our whole economy unless we do not take drastic steps. However, improvements in the energy sector require major investments and time. Unfortunately, due to precarious financial situation of the government we neither have the requisite investments nor a lot of time to carry out improvements in the energy sector. Using fine grained energy data, we have developed a set of interventions that require no investment and can be carried out in a very short time period. In this talk we will discuss some of these interventions alongwith direct positive financial impact that they may bring to the economy of Pakistan.
Biography:
Dr. Naveed Arshad is presently Associate Professor and Director of the National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing (NCBC) at Lahore University of Management Sciences. He is also the founder of Energy Informatics Group (EIG) and Co-Director of LUMS Energy Institute.
His research interests include energy and climate informatics; short-, medium- and long-term forecasting of energy demand, renewable energy generation forecasting for wind and solar resources, demand side management in electric transportation, agricultural, residential, and industrial sectors, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration in existing building stock.
Dr. Arshad has published close to sixty research articles in top international journals and conferences. He has also authored PRECON, the most comprehensive open residential energy data collection in the world. He is the co-founder of multiple start-up companies in big data, energy analytics and electric vehicle domains. In addition to publishing in top ranked journals and conferences, Dr. Arshad has also authored many reports and white papers for advocacy and evidence-based policy recommendations.
Dr. Arshad has served as consultant to USAID, World Bank Group, GIZ, Energy Department, Hyundai Research, Fatima Group, CPPA and many other national and international agencies