Due to Pakistan’s chronic electrical supply problems, there have been forced power outages for up to 18 hours per day in rural areas and 8 to 12 hours per day in urban areas over the past ten years. The main factors contributing to the widening gap between supply and demand are, on the one hand, rising electrical demand, and, on the other, declining energy supplies and financial restrictions. The government has been taking different actions in this regard, including partially reorganizing the electrical industry in accordance with recommendations from international financial institutions. So, the nation currently faces not only a significant challenge in satisfying the demand for power but also a significant one in maintaining energy security in the context of globally significant climate change issues.
The role of policymakers at this point is crucial for not only evaluating and reviewing the current strategies to reduce the electricity supply and demand gap but also for developing future strategies that ensure affordable electricity with effective generation, transmission, and distribution in support of the nation’s sustainable development.
In addition to an analysis of the problems facing the power industry and a review of the existing energy landscape, this paper makes recommendations for reducing the gap between the supply and demand for electricity in order to achieve sustainable electricity for the nation.
Pakistan’s abundance of natural resources, including solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass, presents a great opportunity for the development of renewable energy. The country is facing an increasing demand for energy, and renewable energy can play a vital role in addressing this demand while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy security. Here are some of the renewable energy sources and their potential in Pakistan:
Solar Energy
Pakistan is one of the sunniest countries in the world, with an average of 8-9 hours of sunshine per day. The country has the potential to generate 2.9 million gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per year from solar energy. The use of solar panels to generate electricity is increasing in the country, particularly in rural areas where access to the national grid is limited.
Wind Energy
Pakistan has significant potential for wind energy, particularly in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. The country has the potential to generate 50,000 MW of electricity from wind energy. Several wind power projects have been developed in recent years, and more are planned for the future.
Hydropower
Pakistan has several large rivers, including the Indus River, which provide significant potential for hydropower. The country is capable to produce 60,000 MW of electricity from hydropower. Several large hydropower projects have been developed in the past, and more are planned for the future.
Biomass
Pakistan has significant potential for biomass energy, particularly in the agricultural sector. Biomass can be used to generate electricity, produce biogas, and provide heat. The use of biomass for energy can also help to reduce agricultural waste and improve soil fertility.
Geothermal Energy
Pakistan has limited potential for geothermal energy due to its location away from tectonic plate boundaries. However, there are some areas with potential for geothermal energy, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan has significant potential for renewable energy, particularly from solar, wind, and hydropower. The development of renewable energy can help to address the increasing demand for energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy security. The government and private sector need to take more initiatives to promote the development of renewable energy projects, which can create job opportunities, improve living standards, and contribute to sustainable development in the country.
Harnessing Solar
Pakistan is a country with abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal location for the development of solar energy. The country is facing energy shortages, and the government is actively promoting the development of renewable energy, particularly solar energy. Here are some of the ways in which solar energy can be harnessed in Pakistan.
Large-Scale Solar Projects
Pakistan has several large-scale solar projects, such as the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur, which has a capacity of 1,000 MW. These projects can provide a significant amount of electricity to the national grid, helping to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Rooftop Solar
Rooftop solar systems can be installed on residential and commercial buildings, providing clean and affordable electricity to the occupants. This can help to reduce the electricity bills for the consumers and promote energy independence.
Off-Grid Solar
Pakistan has several remote areas that are not connected to the national grid. Off-grid solar systems can be installed in these areas to provide electricity to the residents. This can improve the living conditions for the residents and promote economic development.
Net Metering
The government has introduced net metering policies, which allow consumers to sell excess solar electricity back to the national grid. This can incentivize the installation of solar systems and promote the development of a decentralized energy system.
Solar Water Pumping
Pakistan has a significant agricultural sector, which requires a large amount of water for irrigation. Solar water pumping systems can be installed in remote areas to provide irrigation water to farmers. This can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable agriculture.
Solar energy has significant potential in Pakistan, and the country is taking steps to harness this potential. By promoting the development of large-scale solar projects, rooftop solar, off-grid solar, net metering, and solar water pumping, Pakistan can build a sustainable energy system that can support its economic growth and protect the environment.
Wind Turbines
Pakistan has significant potential for wind energy, particularly in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. Wind energy can be harnessed through the use of wind turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Here are some of the benefits of using wind turbines for producing electricity in Pakistan:
Abundant Wind Resources
Pakistan has an estimated potential of 50,000 MW of wind energy, particularly in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. The coastal strip of the country has average wind speeds of up to 7 meters per second, which can produce significant amounts of electricity.
Re-newable and Pollution Free Energy
Wind energy is a renewable and pollution-free source of energy, which does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution. By using wind turbines for producing electricity, Pakistan can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote a sustainable energy system.
Cost-Effective
The cost of wind energy has decreased significantly in recent years, making it a cost-effective option for producing electricity. Wind turbines have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, making them a reliable source of electricity.
Job Creation
The development of wind energy projects can create job opportunities, particularly in the construction and maintenance of wind turbines. This can contribute to the economic development of the country and improve the living standards of the people.
Energy Security
By diversifying its energy mix and promoting the development of wind energy, Pakistan can improve its energy security and reduce its dependence on imported fuels.
Wind turbines have significant potential for producing electricity in Pakistan. By promoting the development of wind energy projects, the country can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, promote a sustainable energy system, create job opportunities, and improve its energy security.
Hydro Resources
Pakistan has significant potential for hydropower, which is the use of water to generate electricity. The country has several large rivers, including the Indus River, which provides ample opportunity for the development of hydropower projects. Here are some of the benefits of using hydro resources for producing electricity in Pakistan:
Abundant Water Resources
Pakistan has abundant water resources, particularly in the northern region of the country. The country has several large rivers, including the Indus River, which can be harnessed for the production of electricity.
Renewable and Clean Energy
Hydropower is a renewable and clean source of energy, which does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution. By using hydropower for producing electricity, Pakistan can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote a sustainable energy system.
Cost-Effective
The cost of hydropower is relatively low, making it a cost-effective option for producing electricity. Hydropower plants have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, making them a reliable source of electricity.
Job Creation
The development of hydropower projects can create job opportunities, particularly in the construction and maintenance of hydropower plants. This can contribute to the economic development of the country and improve the living standards of the people.
Energy Security
By diversifying its energy mix and promoting the development of hydropower, Pakistan can improve its energy security and reduce its dependence on imported fuels.
Hydropower has significant potential for producing electricity in Pakistan. By promoting the development of hydropower projects, the country can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, promote a sustainable energy system, create job opportunities, and improve its energy security.
