Shell launches research on urbanization and energy usage

Shell today launched a research supplement in Lahore on how cities across the world grow and consume energy after an extensive study of over 500 urban centers.

The publication, New Lenses on Future Cities, produced in collaboration with the Singapore Centre for Liveable Cities and using research from global consultants Booz & Company, surveyed a diverse mix of urban centers, and groups cities into six illustrative archetypes indicating where energy use is most concentrated and where future urbanization is set to take place. It also identifies potential development pathways that help to give cities ‘room to maneuver’ in how they use resources and promote economic development whilst keeping the city livable.

“Pakistan is projected to urbanise at a rapid rate over the next decade, with our urban and rural populations set to equalize in 2030. This growth will come with a number of challenges but also opportunities, and it’s imperative that concrete urban planning and design steps are taken to ensure a prosperous future for Pakistani communities. As a global player with a presence in 90 countries, Shell spends considerable effort in understanding macro trends and long-term issues that will shape the future. We hope this research will be a valuable contribution to the global conversation about cities and provide a future energy-based perspective for political and business leaders as they make decisions that will affect city planning and development.” said Mazhar ud Deen, GM Retail for Shell Pakistan at the launch event held at the Falletti Hotel for a cross section of stakeholders including urban developers, architects, corporate entities and other public and private sector organizations.

John Russell, Shell City Development expert, talked about potential growth scenarios for an urban hub like Lahore. While many major urban centres in Pakistan share characteristics such as high population density and low per-capita GDP, as well as resource and transport challenges, Lahore presents distinct features contributed by is history as a Mughal imperial capital, and its current role today as provincial epicenter. 

“While significant investment has been made into Lahore’s development, further careful planning will help achieve more efficient and integrated use of resources, particularly energy resources,” said Mr. Russell. “By encouraging urban design-led efforts here and in other urban centres in Pakistan, resilience can be built into these systems and services to ensure greater wellbeing and prosperity for the future.”