Powering a greener Pakistan

Pakistan faces a severe energy challenge but also has a major opportunity to build a cleaner and more sustainable economy. Rising electricity demand, high energy costs, dependence on imported fuels, pressure on foreign exchange reserves and climate change are placing growing demands on the country.

At the same time, Pakistan has strong potential for solar, wind, hydropower and biomass. Turning this potential into a reliable renewable energy sector requires private investment, suitable technology and, above all, clear, consistent and effective government policy.

Pakistan has traditionally depended heavily on oil, gas and other conventional energy sources. Reliance on imported fuels leaves the economy exposed to changes in international prices, raises electricity costs and puts pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Renewable energy can reduce this vulnerability because sunlight, wind and water are domestic resources. A stronger renewable energy policy can therefore support both energy security and environmental protection while creating new economic opportunities.

Solar power offers one of the greatest opportunities. Pakistan receives abundant sunlight in Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab. Government policy can encourage solar investment through stable regulations, simpler approval procedures, suitable financing and stronger electricity networks.

Solar development should include both large-scale projects and rooftop systems for homes, schools, hospitals, public buildings, farms and small businesses. Allowing more consumers to generate their own electricity could reduce pressure on the national grid.

Clear rules are essential for rooftop solar. Consumers and investors need to know how systems will be connected to the grid and how surplus electricity will be treated. The rapid growth of rooftop solar reflects high electricity prices and concerns about supply.

However, frequent policy changes can create uncertainty and reduce confidence. Changes to net-metering and other distributed-generation arrangements should therefore be based on transparent consultation, technical evidence and long-term planning.

Wind power is another important resource. The wind corridor in Sindh, particularly around Jhimpir and Gharo, has shown that Pakistan can develop commercially useful wind projects. Further development should be encouraged where resources and infrastructure make projects viable.

However, new generation must be supported by adequate transmission capacity. Electricity is of limited value if it cannot be delivered efficiently to consumers. Generation, transmission and distribution should therefore be planned as parts of one system.

Similarly, large projects can provide substantial electricity through hydropower, while smaller schemes can support rural and remote communities. However, hydropower development must consider environmental impacts, water availability, climate risks and the interests of the affected communities. Proper environmental assessment and consultation should be needed to project planning.

Pakistan should also make better use of biomass and waste. Agriculture produces large quantities of crop residues and animal waste, while cities generate increasing amounts of municipal waste. Some of these resources can be converted into biogas, electricity and other forms of energy.

Supporting waste collection, biomass technologies and better waste management could reduce pollution and create economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

Renewable energy should be part of a wider green economy strategy. A green economy involves more than clean electricity. It includes energy efficiency, cleaner transport, sustainable agriculture, green buildings, responsible waste management, water conservation and more efficient use of resources.

These areas should be addressed through a coordinated national approach rather than through separate policies.

Likewise, coordination between federal and provincial governments is also necessary. Federal institutions responsible for energy, climate, planning and finance need to work more closely together, while provincial governments have important responsibilities for land, local infrastructure, agriculture and environmental protection.

Differences in regulations and administrative procedures can delay projects and increase uncertainty. Better coordination would make renewable energy development more efficient.

Pakistan must also address the financial weaknesses of its power sector. Circular debt, electricity theft, technical losses, inefficient distribution and delayed payments continue to undermine the system.

Renewable energy cannot solve these problems on its own. Reforming distribution companies, reducing transmission and distribution losses, improving bill collection and strengthening financial management are required to attract investment in both renewable generation and grid infrastructure.

Renewable energy must also be accessible to ordinary households and small businesses. Large companies generally have greater access to capital, while lower-income households may struggle to finance solar systems or other technologies.

Government-backed financing, concessional loans and targeted support could widen access. Such schemes should be designed in a way that public costs should be curtailed, while ensuring that the benefits of the green economy are shared widely.

Skills and education will be equally important. Pakistan’s large young workforce could benefit from jobs in renewable energy, including engineering, installation, maintenance, manufacturing, construction and technical services.

Vocational training should cover solar installation, electrical systems, battery storage, energy auditing and other green skills. Universities can support research into technologies suited to Pakistan’s conditions.

Building local expertise would reduce dependence on foreign specialists and create opportunities for domestic businesses.

As renewable energy expands, Pakistan will need stronger transmission networks, modern distribution systems, improved forecasting and energy storage.

Batteries can help balance supply and demand, while hydropower can provide flexibility. Therefore, renewable generation, storage and grid investment should be planned together.

Electric transport should also be included in Pakistan’s green economy plans. Transport consumes large amounts of imported petrol and diesel and contributes to urban air pollution.

Policies supporting electric buses, motorcycles, cars and charging infrastructure could gradually reduce fuel imports.  However, the environmental benefits will be greater if the electricity used for transport increasingly comes from renewable sources.

Climate change provides another strong reason to expand renewable energy. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to floods, heatwaves, droughts and other climate-related risks, despite contributing a relatively small share of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy can help reduce future emissions while strengthening energy security. Climate and energy policies should be closely linked and supported by realistic planning, finance and implementation.

International climate finance could help fund renewable energy, grid improvements, public transport and climate-resilient infrastructure. Pakistan can seek investment and concessional finance from development institutions and climate funds.

However, external finance should support rather than replace domestic reform. Strong project preparation, transparent procurement, effective monitoring and financial accountability will be important for attracting and using such funding effectively.

Renewable energy projects require investment and often operate for decades. Investors need confidence that tariffs, taxes, import rules, licensing arrangements and electricity-purchasing mechanisms will not change unpredictably.

A long-term national renewable energy roadmap, supported by clear legislation and transparent regulation, would provide greater certainty for both investors and consumers.

The transition should also be fair. Workers and communities linked to traditional energy industries may need retraining and new employment opportunities as the energy system changes.

Renewable projects should respect local communities, land rights and environmental requirements. A green economy will be sustainable only if its economic and social benefits are broadly shared.

Pakistan has the natural resources, market demand and human potential to expand renewable energy significantly. Solar, wind, hydropower and biomass can reduce dependence on imported fuels, while energy efficiency, electric transport and green industries can create jobs and support economic growth.

The key requirement is a coherent policy framework that links energy security, economic development and environmental protection.

The future of renewable energy in Pakistan will depend not only on technology but also on effective government policy. Stable regulation, power-sector reform, modern infrastructure, federal-provincial coordination, investment in skills and long-term planning are the need of the hour.

With these measures, renewable energy can improve energy security, create employment, reduce environmental damage and build a more resilient green economy.

The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional.

He can be reached at tariqkik@gmail.com