Pakistan is undergoing a significant energy transformation driven by the urgent need to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. This initiative helps Pakistan to climb out of chronic power shortages, and stabilize electricity costs for households and businesses. The government has launched a wide range of initiatives to expand solar energy deployment. The solar energy is deployed across public institutions, infrastructure, and the national energy mix.
This transition is anchored in broad policy commitments and growing domestic and international investment.
In this article, we explore Pakistan’s transition toward solar energy, focusing on how it is helping reduce electricity shortages. Also, we will highlight the impact of solar energy in lowering the energy costs for consumers.
National Renewable Energy Targets and Policy Framework
Pakistan has articulated bold renewable energy goals as part of its long-term strategy to diversify the national energy mix. Government policy envisions renewables contributing up to 60 percent of total energy by 2030, and specifically targets significant deployment of solar power to support this ambition. This policy direction is reflected in the country’s Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy and broader national electricity strategy.
Renewable energy deployment is supported by institutional frameworks that encourage private sector and foreign investment, administered through agencies such as the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB).
14,000 MW Solar and Wind Capacity: Strategic Goal
As part of its renewable energy strategy, Pakistan aims to introduce 14,000 MW of wind and solar capacity into the national grid over the next decade. Government officials and energy sector leaders have highlighted the importance of this target to enhance energy security, reduce fuel import costs, and facilitate economic stability.
Also Read: The End of Fossil Age or A Beginning to Green Era? Renewable Energy Insights 2026
Solarization of Public Sector Infrastructure
Pakistan Railways Solar Initiative
One of the most visible initiatives is the solarization of public transportation infrastructure. The federal government has begun transitioning 155 railway stations across Pakistan to solar power as a cost-reduction and modernization measure. This program is expected to save millions of rupees annually in operating costs while reducing load on the national grid.
Solar Power in Schools and Educational Institutions
Solar energy has been deployed in thousands of schools across Pakistan to improve energy reliability and reduce electricity expenses. Programs supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government have installed solar facilities in public schools, expanding access to electricity for essential services and reducing reliance on unreliable grid supply.
WASA’s Solar Transition
As per a report, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has initiated plans to install solar energy plants to power its building and Rawal Dam water filtration plant. This move is part of a broader effort by the Punjab Planning and Development Department to reduce costly electricity expenditures and make utility services more sustainable. Project funding and technical management are being coordinated by the Punjab Energy Department. Public reporting confirms that WASA’s solar energy shift is underway as a strategy to address high power costs.
Renewable Energy in Healthcare and Social Services
The deployment of solar systems is also extending to basic healthcare units and other social service institutions to ensure reliable electricity and reduce power costs. While exact national counts vary, renewable energy deployment in rural health centers has been recognized as a priority in multiple policy discussions and solar adoption programs.
Solar in Agriculture and Tube Wells
Solar energy is increasingly used to power agricultural irrigation systems. In Balochistan, for example, tens of thousands of tube wells have been successfully converted to solar power to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs for farmers. These projects support sustainable agriculture by lowering dependence on grid electricity or diesel generators, and they help bolster rural economic resilience.
Prison Solarization for Cost Savings
Solar energy projects are also being pursued in correctional facilities. For example, solar panels are being installed in multiple prisons in Punjab to reduce electricity costs significantly. By cutting energy tariffs, these projects help redirect public funds to core institutional needs while adopting clean energy solutions.
Government Buildings and Defense Solar Plans
The government has plans to transition hundreds of federal and provincial government buildings to solar energy, managed by coordinating bodies like the AEDB. These projects aim to lower energy costs across public administration and support the overall renewable energy agenda. Similar approaches are being explored for defense infrastructure to enhance resilience and reduce energy spending.
Pakistan’s Solar Growth in the Energy Mix
A Reuters report 2025 highlighted recent energy statistics indicating that solar power has rapidly expanded its contribution to Pakistan’s electricity supply. According to international energy analysis, solar power accounted for more than 25 percent of utility-supplied electricity in early 2025, making Pakistan one of a small number of countries globally where solar has achieved such a high share of utility generation. This growth has been driven by increased solar panel imports and rapid deployment across commercial, public, and residential rooftops.
Large utility-scale solar projects such as the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur provide further evidence of long-term government engagement in utility solar generation, with a planned capacity reaching 1,000 MW and serving as a symbol of Pakistan’s solar infrastructure investment.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While Pakistan’s solar transition has made rapid progress, the energy landscape continues to face challenges. Integrating distributed solar into the national grid, addressing investment barriers, and managing system stability require comprehensive policy frameworks and continued foreign and domestic investment. Innovative financing and policy measures will be key to sustaining growth and meeting ambitious targets for 2030 and beyond.
Also Read: Balancing Solar Growth & Grid Needs in Pakistan
Conclusion
Pakistan’s solar energy strategy is emerging as a cornerstone of national energy reform. From public sector solarization initiatives across railways, schools, and water utilities to large-scale renewable energy targets and rapid growth in national solar generation, the country is charting a path toward a cleaner, more secure, and more affordable energy future. Continued policy focus, institutional support, and investment will be essential to sustain this transition and meet renewable energy goals.