Standing in the middle of a vast, sun-drenched desert, surrounded by towering windmills, yet shivering in the cold, reflects Pakistan’s energy predicament. The country is blessed with abundant renewable resources, yet it continues to suffer through energy crises that leave citizens in the dark. Load shedding, or planned power outages, has become a routine nuisance, crippling industries and disrupting daily lives. The heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels exacerbates the situation, making Pakistan vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) 2022 yearly report, Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity stands at 43,775 MW, with a staggering 59 percent of energy derived from thermal sources. This overreliance on fossil fuels has led to a perfect storm of high costs, energy insecurity, and environmental degradation. Outdated infrastructure and insufficient natural gas supplies only add fuel to the fire, leaving the nation in a precarious position.
The path forward lies in embracing renewable energy sources and shedding the shackles of fossil fuel dependency. Countries like Morocco, Brazil, and India have successfully leveraged multiple renewable sources to reshape their energy landscapes and promote economic growth. Pakistan is sitting on a goldmine of natural resources—wind, solar, hydro, and biomass—that can be harnessed. With over 300 sunny days a year and an estimated solar energy potential of around 2.9 million MW, the country is ideally positioned to capitalize on solar power. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) confirms that Pakistan receives solar radiation equivalent to 1,700-2,300 kWh/m² annually, surpassing global averages. Yet, solar energy’s contribution to the national grid remains dismally low.
Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing how international funding and public-private partnerships can unlock solar potential. This solar power plant has not only boosted Morocco’s energy production but also spurred job creation and economic growth. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s coastal regions and wind corridors, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, boast the capacity to generate 50,000 MW of electricity annually. The Jhimpir Wind Corridor alone could meet a significant portion of the country’s demand, currently providing over 70 percent of its total wind power generation.
Denmark’s wind energy success story is another compelling model for Pakistan. In 2019, wind power accounted for 47 percent of Denmark’s electricity supply, a feat achieved through strategic policy-making and technological innovation. The Danish government’s implementation of feed-in tariffs and tax incentives has fostered investment and development in the sector.
Moreover, agriculture contributes over 20 percent to Pakistan’s GDP, generating ample biomass waste that could be converted into biogas and bioenergy. However, the country has made little progress in harnessing this resource. Initiatives like the Pakistan Environment Trust’s BioVentures project aim to utilize biomass energy, but the overall biomass generation remains low compared to global standards.
Hydropower also plays a crucial role, with 2022 figures showing an impressive 34.58 billion kilowatt hours generated, and a potential capacity of around 60,000 megawatts. Yet, inefficiencies and political delays hinder progress in this sector.
Pakistan stands at a critical juncture, facing the dual crises of energy scarcity and environmental degradation. The shift to renewable energy isn’t just a choice; it’s an imperative for sustainable development. The question looms: will the state rise to the challenge, or will it let this opportunity slip away, leaving future generations to shoulder the burden? Outdated grid infrastructures and insufficient energy storage solutions further complicate the integration of renewables. The NTDC-Jhimpir Battery Energy Storage System project highlights the nascent stage of energy storage in Pakistan, underscoring the need for smart grids to overcome these hurdles.
The stakes are high, and the time for half-measures has long passed. As the world moves toward greener energy solutions, Pakistan must confront its challenges head-on. The future of the nation’s energy landscape hangs in the balance, and the choices made today will reverberate for generations to come.
