Pakistan needs to tap renewable energy potential for sustained growth
Pakistan, which has a negligent share of renewable energy sources in the power mix, desperately needs to tap the green energy potential to boost economic growth, enhance investments and eliminate poverty.
Currently, Pakistan’s renewable energy accounts for only 6.8% of its total installed capacity.
Speaking to WealthPK, Munawar Bashir, former managing director of now defunct Pakistan Electric Power Company (Private) Limited, said that Pakistan could potentially generate approximately 100,000MW of solar power alone. “Pakistan has not appropriately utilised its renewable energy potential when it comes to adequately powering lights for its homes, machinery for its factories and stoves for its kitchens.”
Bashir further said that the grave energy crisis was the result of flawed policies over the years, high cost of generation and outdated and inefficient transmission system. “Due to the energy crisis, underdeveloped areas of Pakistan are unable to get reliable and affordable power.”
