The energy sector of Pakistan is grappling with numerous issues that hinder the country's ability to meet the SDG targets by 2030. To achieve these targets, Pakistan must undertake significant reforms in the energy sector, said Arnoud Hameleers, the United Nations Country Director for Pakistan. The SDGs constitute a set of 17 goals established by the United Nations (UN), with each member country obligated to achieve them by the year 2030. To help meet these targets, the United Nations is providing both technical and financial assistance to the developing countries. The energy mix of Pakistan is highly skewed towards thermal sources. Non-renewable resources such as petroleum products and gas used in the production of thermal energy eventually led the country to fall behind in one of the Sustainable Development Goals, i.e., Goal Number Seven, which focuses on affordable and clean energy. The table below shows the country's energy mix and its reliance on non-renewable sources. The country director added that affordable energy has remained a challenge for the country over the last couple of decades.

Higher prices of energy are directly linked to the rising inflation and the high cost of living. The country is in dire need of reforms for cheap electricity to meet the first goal of the SDGs, which sets the target of 'no poverty' by 2030. He discussed how the energy sector can align with the SDG targets and said that reducing energy consumption in various sectors, such as industrial, residential, and commercial, through energy conservation and efficiency programs will help Pakistan achieve the 12th goal of responsible consumption and production. Arnoud Hameleers suggested the Government of Pakistan develop and implement transparent policies to attract investments and provide a stable regulatory environment for the energy sector. Investment in upgrading and expanding the transmission and distribution infrastructure can minimize energy losses. He emphasized the development of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector, aligning with the global climate goals. In a nutshell, to attain the SDGs by 2030, Pakistan must implement reforms in its energy sector.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)