Report shows future power generation targets solar, wind and hydro

    　Although the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) sees plenty of potential for renewable energy in Pakistan in terms of increasing energy security and improving energy access, the country lacks a clear renewable energy target.

　　The political ambition to boost renewable energy growth must be translated into a language understandable to investors, according to the Abu Dhabi-based agency, which also called for a clear target to be set. The call follows a thorough examination of Pakistan's energy sector, which identified key actions to accelerate renewable energy development.

　　According to the 'Renewables Readiness Assessment,' a clear target with specific obligations such as renewable portfolio standards, which are more effective because they ensure measurability and are mandated by law, is required.

　　This ensures that investors are less vulnerable to changes in the political climate. According to IRENA, such targets would necessitate the passage of legislation in Pakistan, which would necessitate either a consolidated target or the assignment of renewable portfolio standards to distribution utilities.

　　While hydropower has traditionally been the most important source of renewable energy in Pakistan, accounting for nearly a third of electricity generation with 7.1 gigatonnes of installed grid-connected capacity, IRENA's assessment finds that the country has up to 60 gigatonnes (GW) of economic and technical hydropower potential.

　　The assessment also identifies 50GW of theoretical wind potential in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan and estimates that 25 million tonnes of biomass feed stocks derived from industrial and agricultural waste can be made available for use each year.

　　According to IRENA Director-General Adnan Amin, Pakistan's demand for energy is increasing. "To meet this demand Pakistan has a tremendous opportunity to cost-effectively tap its abundant solar, wind and hydropower resource potential. This would boost national prosperity and job creation while improving supply security, improving access, and moving Pakistan closer to energy independence, he said.

　　According to the report, the installed capacity of alternative and renewable energy sources in the power sector has already increased from 0.2 percent in 2013 to 5.2 percent of total installed capacity in 2018. Ongoing policy reforms, regulatory changes, infrastructure development, and investment incentives are aimed at ensuring a clean, cheap, and continuous supply that includes a steadily increasing share of renewable.