Fozia Azam

Pakistan intends to have at least 60% of its energy generation shift by using an equal combination (30-30) of its renewable and hydro resources. To achieve this target, upgradation of the existing transmission infrastructure is needed, reports WealthPK.

The main source of power generation in Pakistan is a mix of thermal, hydel, renewables and nuclear power plants. Thermal power generation has most of the share followed by hydel, renewable and nuclear, said Adeel Jaffri, Policy Advisor Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), while talking to WealthPK.

“At present, power generation through renewable resources stands at 6 percent despite the fact that the country holds a huge renewable energy potential, particularly wind and solar,” he added.

He said the government planned to increase the share of renewable energy in total power generation to 30 percent by 2030, particularly from solar, wind, small hydro and biomass, with an additional 30 percent from large-scale hydropower.

Renewable energy is cost-effective and environment-friendly. Besides, the current economic and energy crisis demands a robust investment in the renewable energy sector.

According to experts, Pakistan’s entire energy demand can be met by benefiting from only 0.07 percent of the country’s solar potential. Pakistan reported a 3.25 percent increase in renewable energy in 2021, while the net foreign direct investment in the power sector remained at $911.7 million.

According to the Sustainable Development Policy Institute’s report on renewable energy, “Transition towards a 100% renewable energy system in Pakistan is not only fully possible but also a low-cost option for the country. It will help decrease the energy system costs while reducing dependence on the imported fossil fuels, increasing energy security.”

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan has already committed at the international forums to opting for 60 percent clean energy by 2030.Although Pakistan’s contribution to global emissions is less than one percent, it is still amongst the top ten on the list of most vulnerable countries because of its topography and geography.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk