Renewable energy holds a promising future, especially in countries like Pakistan, the energy sector of the country is of vital importance when it comes to supporting existing and upcoming industries and residential and commercial properties. This blog highlights top renewable energy projects/developments planned for Pakistan.
However, in recent years there has been an emphasis on exploring, expanding, and production of renewable energies.
According to the records, around 10.57% of Pakistan’s total power generation capacity for 2020 came from renewables like wind, solar, and biogas energy.
Currently, we are working on hydroelectricity, with the help of dams available; by 2025, the ratio of renewable sources will increase by 20% and 30% by 2030.
The government takes important initiatives to redevelop and strengthen the country’s energy sector; the officials have already signed agreements, collaborating with MNCs and other governments to expand the horizon of this sector.
Pakistan’s Energy Sector & Its Future
Pakistan is considered the country with a positive forward thinking-nation working out for renewable energy’s sustainability, technological development, and innovation.
Pakistan has signed a pact with the UK-listed Oracle Power Public Ltd, to develop the country’s first-ever green hydrogen energy plant in Sindh. Also, China plans to sign a 3-year-long pact to establish regional green energy projects.
Scaling up green hydrogen will help Pakistan’s economy to achieve net zero emissions and limit temperature rises. Thus it is the most effective way to save the earth and energy, as a whole.
Let us explore and discuss the future renewable energy projects that the country is hosting – for better yet energy-saving tomorrows.
Solar Power Projects in Pakistan
Pakistan is potentially enough to generate solar power; according to the World Bank, only 0.071% of the country’s area is required for solar photovoltaic power generation – to meet the country’s current demand.
Talking about sunlight exposure, Pakistan has an average of nine and a half hours of daily sunlight. Since 2013, the country is producing solar energy, and several industries, commercial organizations, and even government buildings and different upcoming real estate projects are also planning to go solar, aiming to support the economy in managing power distribution.
Several solar power energy projects are in the pipeline, some of them are;
Location | Capacity (MW) | Projects | Status |
Nooriababad, Sindh | 50 | 3 | Awaiting |
Dadu, Sindh | 20 | 3 | Awaiting |
Sultanabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab | 12 | 1 | Awaiting |
Mehmood Kot, District Muzaffargarh, Punjab | 50 | 1 | Awaiting |
Noorsar, Bahawalnagar, Punjab | 50 | 1 | Under-developed |
Gharo, Thatta, Sindh | 50 | 2 | Under-developed |
Noorsar, Bahawalnagar, Punjab | 30 | 1 | Under-developed |
Wind Energy Projects in Pakistan
Wind energy is considered the most significant and sustainable for the survival of the growing population. Currently, wind energy is contributing 4% to Pakistan’s electricity requirements.
Well, the country has the potential to produce up to 340 GW of Electricity just from the wind, but if only planned strategically and utilized efficiently.
Another important yet favorable prospect of wind energy is the installation of wind turbines, which is economical, takes less space, and is easy-to-install, in windy areas.
Some upcoming wind energy projects in Pakistan are;
Location | Capacity (MW) | Projects | Status |
Gharo, Sindh | 50 | 1 | Under-construction |
Gujju, Thatta, Sindh | 14 | 1 | Under-assessment |
Jhimpir, Sindh | 50 | 2 | Under-assessment |
Jhimpir, Sindh | 51 | 1 | Under- assessment |
Micro-Hydro/Hydroelectric Power Projects in Pakistan
In Pakistan, out of 3000 MW Micro-Hydel, only 150 MW has been utilized. Not only these but there also are some small-micro hydropower projects, located in remote areas of northern Pakistan.
Recently, the government has identified the need for fuel technology and also how to utilize indigenous resources to generate power. They have announced Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP). The plan envisages the projects of an additional 13,000 MW of hydropower till 2030 with an existing capacity of 9000 MW.
Pakistan has always seen ups and downs in maintaining renewable energies; however, it is almost cyclical. These projects came into existence after the friendly government energy policies and incentives.
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam’s construction will add 4,500MW of hydroelectric power; the dam is expected to be completed by 2028.
Also, we have the Mohmand Dam project, aiming to add 800MW of hydroelectric power, scheduled to complete by 2024.
Even the installed capacity of Tarbela hydroelectric was increased from 1,410MW to 4,888MW. It is the fourth extension of the hydropower project. In the pipeline is the fifth extension, which will increase further capacity to 6,298MW.
By April 2022, the total share of hydroelectric power was around 25% (10,251MW).
All these projects will enhance the country’s potential for renewable energy, and strengthen the country’s economic backbone. Soon, if the progress continues, the country would be self-sufficient, and we won’t be buying renewable energy to manage our energy distribution.
Other Renewable Energy Projects in Pakistan
- Biogas Energy: In Pakistan, biogas is less preferred. In other words, the potential of biogas is taken for granted and underestimated. It is dubbed chiefly as “Gobar Gas,” just useable for cooking. Only 1000 household plants have been installed compared to 932,000 in India and 43 million in China.
- Tidal Energy: Tidal power still needs to be explored in Pakistan compared to other renewable energies. In Sindh, we have a creek system of the Indus Delta with immense five meters of tidal height at Korangi Creek. Another potential spot is at Sonmiani Beach and Kalamat in Balochistan with the prospect of tidal energy.
Potential Renewable Energy for Pakistan
Some of the other promising opportunities that can be leveraged to expand the energy sector of Pakistan are;
- Dry Batteries
- Inverters
- Wind Farm Equipment (especially turbines)
- Biomass Boilers & equipment
- Transmission Equipment
- Technical Consultancy
Wrapping Up
Pakistan’s energy sector is full of opportunities, the country is blessed with enough renewable and non-renewable resources, that need to be explored and utilized, for the betterment of Pakistan, the citizens, the economy, and overall global rankings.
