Diverse energy mix: Hydel, nuclear, renewable, and thermal sources.
Shift towards indigenous and renewable energy sources.
ISLAMABAD: As of March 2024, Pakistan’s total installed electricity capacity stood at 42,131 MW, with hydel, nuclear, renewable, and thermal sources contributing 25.4%, 8.4%, 6.8%, and 59.4%, respectively. The Economic Survey 2023-24 reveals a notable decline in the dominance of thermal power, indicating a strategic shift towards indigenous energy sources.
In FY24, out of 92,091 GWh of electricity generated, 54.1% came from hydel, nuclear, and renewable sources, marking progress towards cleaner energy. Total electricity consumption during FY24 (July-March) was 68,559 GWh, with the household sector being the largest consumer at 49.2%, followed by the industrial sector at 26.3%.
Investment and Policy Initiatives:
The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) is advancing 12 Independent Power Projects (IPPs) totaling 1,563 MW, under various policies, including the Power Generation Policy 2015 and the Alternative and Renewable Energy (ARE) Policy 2019. Net metering-based solar installations have reached 117,807, with a capacity of 1,822 MW.
The Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) aims to increase the share of renewable energy, including hydropower, from 33% to 62% by 2031. Key projects include solar PV initiatives and competitive bidding for small-scale solar PV projects.
Thar Coal and Import Substitution:
Since 2016, there has been a moratorium on new imported fuel-based projects. The government is substituting imported coal with Thar coal to reduce costs and save foreign exchange. A feasibility study is underway to blend Thar coal in three major coal IPPs with a cumulative capacity of 3,960 MW.
Nuclear Power Expansion:
Pakistan became the 15th country to install a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) with the 137 MW Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) in 1972. Despite international embargoes, Pakistan has added six NPPs with a combined capacity of 3,530 MW. The new generation of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) has significantly enhanced capacity and reliability.
In FY24, the six NPPs supplied approximately 16,753 million units to the national grid, contributing between 12.8% and 25.8% to the generation mix monthly.
These developments underscore Pakistan’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix, promoting renewable sources, and ensuring a secure and sustainable energy future.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
