Pakistan is currently undertaking a substantial expansion of electricity generation capacity to provide electricity for all its end-users and to satisfy a fast-growing economy. Adoption of low-cost, abundant and clean renewable energy will not only fulfil its growing electricity, heat, transportation and desalinated water demand but also help achieve the goals set under the Paris Agreement. A technology-rich energy system model applied in hourly resolution has been used for investigating the transition in 5-year periods until 2050. This study demonstrates that a 100% renewable energy system across the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors is not only technically feasible but also economically viable. Solar photovoltaics emerges as a key technology to the lead-up to 2030, new investments in wind and solar are expected to produce a sharp rise in renewable energy investments, increasing the demand for renewable energy workers at all skill levels. Following the Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) pathway, new investments in about 3722MW of grid-scale wind projects and 7533MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects have the potential to provide over 105,000 direct jobs by 2030. Dire Need of Inexpensive Electricity: 60% of electricity in Pakistan is generated through expensive imported fossil fuels and coal. Expanding renewable energy can help Pakistan save USD 5 billion in the next 20 years. Environment Protection: Renewable energy can help Pakistan in reducing carbon emissions (2019: 223.6 million metric tons) and in attaining greater energy security Renewable energy in Pakistan has been gaining momentum in recent years as the country seeks to diversify its energy sources, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and address its growing energy needs. Several factors have contributed to the growth of renewable energy in Pakistan. These include the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), which provide regulatory frameworks and incentives for renewable energy projects. Renewable Energy Targets: Pakistan has set ambitious renewable energy targets. The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy 2019 aims to achieve 30% of the country's total power generation capacity from renewable sources by 2030. This includes targets for solar, wind, and hydropower.Solar Energy: Solar energy has seen significant growth in Pakistan due to the country's abundant sunlight. Large-scale solar projects, as well as residential and commercial solar installations, have proliferated. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Punjab is one of the largest solar projects in the country.
Wind Energy: Pakistan has considerable wind energy potential, particularly in its coastal areas and northern regions. Wind farms, such as the Jhimpir Wind Power Plant, have been established to harness this resource. Hydropower: Pakistan has a substantial hydropower potential, with projects like the Tarbela Dam and the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity.Biomass and Biogas: Biomass and biogas projects are being developed, primarily in rural areas, using agricultural waste and organic materials for energy generation. Policy Incentives: The government offers various incentives to attract investment in the renewable energy sector, including tax breaks, feed-in tariffs, and net metering programs. International Collaboration: Pakistan has collaborated with international organizations and received financial support for renewable energy projects, fostering technology transfer and capacity building. Challenges facing renewable energy development in Pakistan include intermittent energy generation from solar and wind sources, the need for significant investment in infrastructure, and issues related to grid integration and energy storage. Additionally, there may be political and economic challenges that affect the implementation of renewable energy projects. Despite these challenges, Pakistan is committed to expanding its renewable energy capacity to address energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable development. The continued growth of renewable energy in Pakistan is expected to play a vital role in the country's energy mix and its efforts to combat climate change. The more ambitious renewable energy policy scenario has the potential to deliver more than 190,000 direct jobs in the renewable energy industry and an additional 137,000 indirect jobs in associated sectors. Although most direct jobs would be temporary, lasting only through the project implementation period, the renewable energy industry could provide more than 14,000 permanent jobs up to 2030. Generate electricity and contribute a share of 92% to the total primary energy demand across all sectors by 2050. With a population of over 220m, Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world - with an annual estimated population growth rate of 2.07%. The sector of renewable energy, which is now at a nascent stage in Pakistan, holds huge potential for development. Rapid population growth: By 2030 there will be an estimated 263m people living in Pakistan.
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