The energy sector in Pakistan has been progressing since 2013 to mitigate blackouts and power shortages across the country. However, the reliance on fossil fuels with their increasing prices has prevented the power sector of Pakistan from significant growth and development. Several factors adversely affect the stability of energy departments, including shortage of natural gas, debts, and import of non-renewable energy resources.
Pakistan could produce renewable energy backed by significant energy reforms with international assistance.
The annual report of NEPRA for the fiscal year 2021 underscored that Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity is 39772 MW. From the 39772 MW, 63% of energy comes from fossil fuels (thermal power), 25% from water (hydropower), and 5.4% from wind, solar and biomass (renewable power).
As per a recent World Bank survey, installing PV panels at 0.071% of the area of Pakistan would cover the country’s electricity demand.
According to the revised renewable energy policy, the government plans to generate 60% of the energy from renewable resources by 2030 to control the country’s dependence on fossil fuel products.
Solar power opportunities are vast in Pakistan, and some of the main ones are as follows;
- Solar Panels / Photovoltaic Panels
- Dry Batteries
- Inverters
- Wind Farm Equipment (especially turbines)
- Biomass Boilers
- Transmission Equipment
- Distribution Equipment
- Biogas Equipment
- Technical Consultancy
In Pakistan, an average day comprises nine and a half hours of sunlight. Solar energy became a part of Pakistan’s energy mix in 2013 when the government proposed policies and regulations in favour of renewable energy production. Over the last five years, Pakistan has developed six successful solar power projects totalling 430MW. Eventually, there has been an increase in domestic solar panel installation. The GOP aims to attain at least 1 million customers and add up to 3000 MW of energy through net metering.
For solar energy development and progress in Pakistan, the World Bank provided $100 million for the Sindh Solar Energy project.
The solar energy sector exhibits significant potential with regard to fostering a sustainable future in Pakistan, thereby enabling the nation to achieve energy self-sufficiency in the foreseeable future.
