Some Under Development Renewable Energy Projects in Pakistan

IN THIS POST:
Future of Renewable Energy in Pakistan
Solar Energy Projects in Pakistan
Wind Energy Projects in Pakistan

Update (Oct. 27, 2021): A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been recently signed between CEO of UK-Listed Oracle Power Public Ltd Naheed Memon and the Chief Representative of Power China International Group Ltd in Pakistan for the development of the country’s first-ever green hydrogen energy plant in Sindh.

This MoU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh and Consul General of China Li Bijian in Karachi. They witnessed history in the making. Pakistan and China are also planning to sign a three-year-long investment cooperation pact for the establishment of green energy projects in the region.

The event took place in the Sindh Energy Department office in Karachi. While speaking on the occasion, Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh said that the green hydrogen project will allow the province of Sindh to effectively take part and play a lead role in the development and enhancement of clean energy sources to cope up with the global energy and fuel crisis.

“It places Pakistan among the ranks of forward-thinking nations,” the minister further added.

“The government has led the way for the establishment of renewable energy and now has taken another step in moving to support frontier technology, sustainability, and innovation,” Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh remarked while addressing the MoU ceremony.

As of now, more than 350 hydrogen power projects are currently being developed in different parts of the world. If everything goes as planned, hydrogen power could meet 24% of the global energy and fuel demand within the next 30 to 40 years.

Many developed nations and economies have either introduced or are currently working on hydrogen policies. It is to decarbonise the major economic and industrial sectors to significantly reduce carbon emissions and reverse the harmful effects of climate change.

If you want to learn more about clean energy projects in Pakistan, continue reading this post.

Backed by the present government’s commitment to sustainability, Pakistan is experiencing unprecedented progress in the renewable energy sector. Considering the possible impact of ongoing renewable projects in Pakistan, we can rightfully predict that this growth can slash the country’s carbon emissions over the next few years. 

We had shared a list of some under-development hydropower projects in Pakistan in our previous post. And now, we have compiled a list of the ongoing renewable projects in the country to give you an idea about how the future could be greener than you imagined. Keep reading to find out about the current status of sustainable energy projects, their location, and production capacity. 

However, before we start detailing the projects, let us shed some light on the future of renewable energy in Pakistan. 

The Future of Renewable Energy in Pakistan 

As of now, the people of Pakistan mostly rely on fossil fuels as a primary source to generate electricity. As such, consumers are faced with bills that are sometimes just too high since electricity, even though it is a necessity, comes at a luxurious price. 

However, what if we were to tell you there are a few renewable energy sources that are completely free? Well, the idea might sound a little too unreal, but it has already become a lifestyle in major cities. However, it may take up to several years to become a norm in the entire country. So, we are not completely there yet, but we are moving. 

Quite recently, the Minister for Power Division Omar Ayub Khan has also announced that a Saudi power producing company, ACWA Power, has agreed to invest 4 billion dollars in the country’s renewable energy sector. During the same occasion, the official said, “Developing indigenous renewable energy resources [wind and solar] is among the top priorities of the government”. 

Explaining the scope of renewable energy projects in Pakistan and how the government plans to execute this idea, he further added, “The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) of Pakistan has been planning to develop cost-effective alternative and renewable energy-based power generation projects through private investors under the Renewable Energy Policy 2006 on the IPP model.”

Upon being asked about the overall progress of the country in renewable energy projects, the minister said, “The country has made significant progress in taking advantage of the wind, solar and other renewable resources as such several power generation projects based on these resources are operational while many others are in the pipeline”. 

The minister also announced that the government has formulated a brand new Alternative Renewable Energy Policy that’s been already approved by the federal cabinet and is awaiting approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI). Sharing the highlights of the policy, he said:

• The new policy targets to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall energy production, and it will reflect around 30% by 2030. 
• The policy majorly focuses on the development of waste-to-energy projects by utilising municipal solid waste, which will attract several international investors.

Just like Suki Kinari Hydropower Project and Dasu Hydropower Project, Pakistan has a long list of under-construction and operational projects that are some chief examples of how the government plans to embrace sustainability. But are these projects doing any good to the overall stability of the ecological conditions of the country? Let’s take a look at some stats. 

According to a recent report published by the US government, Pakistan is naturally blessed when it comes to resources needed for the production of sustainable energy. Yet, the country’s overall electricity production capacity is a mix of nearly 64% fossil fuels, 27% hydropower, and 9% other renewable products. 

Do you think that the target is beyond reach? If your answer is yes, then have a look at our list of ongoing renewable energy projects in Pakistan. We hope that these are enough to change your opinion. 

Some Renewable Energy Projects in Pakistan Nearing Completion

As per the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) of Pakistan, there are three significant renewable energy projects underway that will help the country produce cheaper alternatives for electricity and boost overall energy production in comparatively less expensive ways. The list of ongoing sustainable energy projects include: 

• Solar Energy Projects in Pakistan 
• Wind Energy Projects in Pakistan 

Now, let’s take a deeper look at the current work status, project location, and the progress made in each category! 

Solar Energy Projects in Pakistan 

It is no secret that Pakistan is blessed geographically. Experts have identified that the country lies in an area that boasts one of the highest solar insolation in the world, which means that it is at an ideal location to produce electricity via solar means. 

According to AEDB, “Solar Energy can play a vital role in Pakistan to overcome the energy shortages”. Nevertheless, solar energy has been slow to develop and currently contributes a tiny share in the overall energy resources. 

Thankfully, the government is paying attention to the much-needed cause, and it is aiming to produce around 30% of its energy requirement from renewable resources, primarily solar energy. 

AEBD’s Ongoing Solar Energy Projects in Pakistan 

Here’re some major solar energy projects currently being developed and planned in different parts of Pakistan: 

Wind Energy Projects in Pakistan

Considered one of the most significant resources of sustainable energy, wind energy currently contributes not more than 4% to Pakistan’s overall electricity requirement. However, some statistics suggest that the country has the potential to produce up to 340 GW of electricity from wind alone, if utilised efficiently and planned strategically. 

But is wind energy worthy of financing? Well, it is a big YES! Wind energy is produced via wind turbines that can be fixed on farms or open spaces where the flow and speed of wind are not interrupted by high-rises. The turbines only occupy a small fraction of land, which means that they don’t disrupt land usage. And, it goes without saying that there’s no market demand or supply for wind since it is completely free. Hence, wind energy can be used by anyone, once they have access to wind turbines.

At times, noise and visual pollution produced by wind turbines may sound like a big deal, but they do not have any direct effect on the environment, human life, quality of air, or earth. 

Now that you have a clearer understanding of why switching to wind energy can be a really good thing to happen to the country, let’s blow your mind with a list of some wind energy projects in Pakistan. 

AEBD’s Ongoing Wind Energy Projects in Pakistan 

As per AEDB’s recent update, here’s a list of ongoing wind energy projects in Pakistan with their current status and capacity: 

Besides these five ongoing projects, the country has already delivered around 23 wind energy projects that are operational in different areas. 

We will keep updating the blog with the latest information. So, bookmark this page and keep visiting often.  Subscribe to Zameen Blog to make sure you never miss any update from us.