Renewable energy in Pakistan: Paving the way towards a fully renewables‐based energy system across the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors by 2050

Abstract

Pakistan is currently undertaking a substantial expansion of electricity generation capacity to provide electricity for all its end-users and to satisfy a fast-growing economy. Adoption of low-cost, abundant and clean renewable energy will not only fulfil its growing electricity, heat, transportation and desalinated water demand but also help achieve the goals set under the Paris Agreement. A technology-rich energy system model applied in hourly resolution has been used for investigating the transition in 5-year periods until 2050. This study demonstrates that a 100% renewable energy system across the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors is not only technically feasible but also economically viable. Solar photovoltaics emerges as a key technology to generate electricity and contribute a share of 92% to the total primary energy demand across all sectors by 2050. The levelised cost of energy for a 100% renewable energy system is calculated as 56.1 €/MWh in 2050, lower than 70 €/MWh for the current fossil fuel-based system. A key feature of Pakistan's future energy system is the huge increase in demand across all energy sectors, particularly for desalinated water, which is almost 19% of the final energy demand. This share of energy for desalination is among the highest in the world. Direct and indirect electrification across all demand sectors increases the efficiency of the future energy system. Moreover, GHG emissions from all the sectors will drop to zero by 2050 in a fully sustainable energy scenario.

Modelling Pathways to Energy Transition in Pakistan using OSeMOSYS (Open-Source Energy Modelling System)

“…Countries like Jordan have proven that an increased share of renewables has resulted in cheaper electricity prices in the long-run (Sadiqa, 2021). In this sense, GoP pledges to reduce renewable energy tariffs by 15% thus supporting the LC scenario.…”

The important contribution of renewable energy technologies in overcoming Pakistan's energy crisis: Present challenges and potential opportunities

“…Renewable energy in Pakistan is impeded by technical challenges 27 since there is no industry for this type of energy, and the federal government and corporate sector are reluctant to invest further because most projects fail due to technical difficulties. In terms of technology and innovation, the country lags considerably behind many other European and Asian countries.…”

“…11,140 Hence, access to clean electricity and water is critical to Pakistan's economic development and reduction of poverty, which in turn reduces inequities. 27 According to one research, the installation of renewable energy projects in distant locations reduces greenhouse gas emissions over time, hence improving the health and living standards of local communities. 79 In addition, including renewable energy in the energy mix may improve regional competitiveness, stimulate new businesses, maintain price stability, raise current population income and provide more job opportunities.…”

Assessment of SAARC nations' solar energy potential for sustainable development

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