ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan advances towards a more sustainable energy future, the focus sharpens on harnessing diverse renewable energy (RE) sources such as hydropower, wind, solar, and bagasse. These resources are seen as crucial to reducing the country’s hefty fuel import bill and achieving affordable energy.
The current government is keen on maximizing the potential of clean energy, particularly solar power, through the National Solar Energy Initiative. This initiative aims to replace expensive hydropower with more cost-effective solar energy. According to Dr. Shah Jahan Mirza, Managing Director of the Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Pakistan is endowed with significant renewable energy potential: over 64,000 MW from hydel sources, up to 2.9 million MW from solar energy, and an inexhaustible wind power potential of 132,000 MW. Additionally, the 175 billion-ton Thar Coal Reserve presents a cost-effective option for base load power generation.
The government’s strategic focus includes aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7, which promotes access to clean energy and aims to alleviate poverty and address climate change. The PPIB’s plans reflect this commitment, with a proposed increase in the share of renewable resources to 62% of domestic installed capacity by 2031. This includes a substantial boost in solar and wind power capacities, with targets set at 12,926 MW for solar and 6,767 MW for wind.
To tackle the impact of high international oil and LNG prices on electricity tariffs, the Framework Guidelines for Fast-Track Solar PV Initiatives 2022 have been introduced. These guidelines include replacing expensive fossil fuels with solar PV energy and promoting solarization of public buildings. A notable initiative is the planned 600 MW solar project in Kot Addu/Muzaffargarh, with an offer extended to Saudi Arabia.
Decentralized solar PV systems are also being encouraged to address local energy needs. The government anticipates adding around 2000 MW of solar PV capacity through competitive bidding and aims to install 1000 MW of rooftop solar PV systems for public buildings. As of March 2024, net-metering-based solar installations have reached 130,935, with a cumulative capacity of 1,985 MW.
Experts highlight Pakistan’s exceptional solar irradiation potential, with solar energy generation estimated at over 2.324 million MW annually. Compared to other countries, Pakistan and India benefit from higher solar irradiation levels, which is crucial for large-scale solar power generation. Despite this potential, Pakistan has yet to fully tap into these resources.
Energy expert Engr. Aslam Khan commends the government’s renewable energy initiatives, noting that they could significantly reduce fuel import bills and ensure a cleaner environment. Innovations such as transparent solar technology, which harnesses light energy through glass surfaces, represent a promising frontier in expanding solar energy applications.
Imran Imtiaz Butt, CEO of 3 Ray Solution, emphasizes the vast potential of solar energy, suggesting that just 1.5 hours of sunlight on Earth could resolve the global energy crisis. He advocates for local manufacturing of solar panels to meet growing demand, reduce reliance on foreign technology, and conserve foreign exchange.
Pakistan’s renewed focus on renewable energy underscores its commitment to sustainable development, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship. The country’s efforts in leveraging its abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources are pivotal in shaping a greener energy future.
