Challenges for Renewable Energy in Pakistan: Why Progress Is Slow?

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Renewable Energy in Pakistan
16Oct

Considering the energy crisis in Pakistan, the only solution to cope with it is renewable energy. But unfortunately, the renewable energy industry in Pakistan faces numerous challenges. While the world rapidly opts for this green solution, Pakistan lags because of certain shortages and challenges. 

Let’s dive deep into these issues and find out why the renewable energy industry cannot progress as it should. By understanding these issues, we can gain valuable insights into the barriers to a sustainable energy future in the country.

1- Slow Development of Infrastructure

It is one of the major challenges in the renewable energy industry. While the country has a significant amount of renewable energy, it lacks the proper resources to take complete advantage of it. Despite having abundant solar and wind energy, we do not have enough transmission capacity so that these resources can be fully incorporated into daily life. There are also distribution challenges, and rural electrification is a key concern. These factors become one of the major challenges for the renewable energy sector to grow in Pakistan and provide a sustainable future.

Renewable Energy in Pakistan
Source: Reuters

2- Political Problems as a Barrier

In any country, political stability is extremely necessary so the set government and its associated institutes can take their time to fix something, propose new policies, and implement them. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, political instability is one of the major reasons why there has not been a successful implementation of policies made for the progress of the renewable energy sector. Additionally, the political issues in the northwest of the country, where the potential of renewable energy is highest, have caused more problems. 

3- Technical Issues

There are some technical barriers to the renewable energy sector as well. For instance, if we talk about solar systems to produce electricity, they are dependent on sunlight for energy production. To ensure that this system provides energy even during the night or when there is no sunlight, large backup systems will be required. For now, batteries and hybrid systems are used as a solution, but to implement it on a large scale, huge storage or backup systems will be required. Additionally, the transmission of renewable energy to consumers on a large scale is difficult. Pakistan is sparsely populated, and the current transmission lines will need to be upgraded accordingly. It will be required to build renewable energy projects near cities so their transmission will become easier. 

Renewable Energy in Pakistan
Source: The Friday Times

4- Financial Limitations

Considering all the issues mentioned above, if all of these need to be addressed, there will be a lot of investment needed. Pakistan is already economically weak, which means investing in this sector would be the last thing on the authorities’ minds. However, with the mutual support of the government and private sectors, a difference can be made. To overcome the financial constraints, there will be contributions required from government incentives, subsidies, and the private sector as well. Together, we can switch to renewable energy and make a difference for the future of Pakistan. However, it is also important to note that the government not only needs to address the financial constraints but also needs to create a clear and consistent policy for the growth of the renewable energy sector in the country. 

Support for the Renewable Energy Sector in Pakistan

While there are certain challenges for renewable energy sectors, the Pakistani government also supports this industry as there is a lot of potential for renewable industry in Pakistan, including solar, wind, and biomass. Reportedly, Pakistan has the potential to become one of the world’s leading renewable energy markets with an annual installed capacity of 275 gigawatts (GW). 

The Government of Pakistan has also supported the solar industry by not imposing any tax incentives on solar products. Similar to solar energy, Pakistan has a lot of potential for wind energy. Winds that blow in the country are high in velocity and have a long reach, which makes them ideal renewable energy sources. The country also has many wind turbines, which means this type of renewable energy can also be expanded in Pakistan. 

Moreover, the renewable energy sector is also foreseeing a future in Pakistan because of continuous technological advancements. Now, renewable energy technologies are becoming more and more affordable and efficient, making it easier for people to rely on them for daily use.

Final Words!

In short, the renewable energy industry in Pakistan has a lot of potential. Despite some challenges that need to be addressed, the country is continuously opting for this green and clean source of energy. If these challenges are also addressed, the country will eventually have a lot of its energy and economic issues resolved. Additionally, it will reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels, which contribute to high energy costs, environmental pollution, and energy shortages. Progress in the renewable sector in Pakistan promises a sustainable future. 

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