Call to increase renewable energy sources

Expert says Pakistan can save Rs300b via renewable power

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s dependence on imported fossil fuels not only puts a huge burden on its foreign exchange reserves but also undermines the country’s energy security as the fossil fuel supply chain could be vulnerable to various types of shocks and disruptions.

This view was expressed in a press release issued by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI).

According to official data, there are currently 155 power-generating plants in Pakistan with a total generation capacity of 41268 MW. More than half of this capacity amounting to 22890 MW is dependent on the costly imported fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil.

Imported fossil fuels also contribute to high energy prices for consumers, especially when the rupee depreciates, or global energy markets suffer from disruptions. Huge dependence on fossil fuels also has adverse implications for public health, the environment, and climate change.

It is, therefore, important that the government pays high attention to substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix, especially through fully capitalising the Pakistan’s potential for power generation through solar, wind or small hydro options.

Renewable options like solar, wind and small hydro plants will involve zero fuel costs and minimal impact on local environments or climate.

According to a recent study, the share of solar and wind in Pakistan's electricity generation capacity is only five per cent, while its share can be safely increased to 47%. If the renewable electricity generation capacity is increased to 35%, at least Rs300 billion can be saved every year.

In 2021, the Ministry of Power set a 30% renewable energy target till 2031 but it is unlikely to be achieved unless the required efforts pace up.

Given this situation, political parties must prioritise renewable energy in their manifestos and contribute to efforts aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s energy security and consumer welfare through a renewed emphasis on the generation of electricity through solar, wind and small hydro plants.

At times, government officers talk about challenges regarding the integration of renewable energy in the national grid, but CPDI is of the view that such challenges can be resolved through innovative and concerted efforts.

The CPDI also highlights the importance of developing local capacities to develop and install renewable energy capacity including through storage batteries and solar, wind and small hydro plants.

Without developing such capacities, Pakistan may continue to face challenges in increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall mix. In this regard, the Government must consider prioritizing local research and development and offering appropriate incentives to local and foreign investors.

CPDI, along with its affiliates, is planning to hold the first meeting of representative political parties in Islamabad in early October. In this meeting, experts will share their views about the potential and opportunities to generate electricity from wind, solar, and small hydro options.

In the meeting, experts, political leaders, and other stakeholders will discuss Pakistan’s energy crisis and come up with practical solutions to achieve the relevant objectives including energy security, consumer welfare and reduction of carbon footprint to protect public health, environment, and our climate.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2023.