PROSPECTS AND GAPS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Renewable energy sources can contribute significantly to mitigate prevailing energy crises which could not only help to alleviating poverty through rural development but also to promote sustainable environment. Despite of huge potential of renewable energy (production potential from solar, wind, and biogas/biomass are 2.9 million MW, 20000 MW, and 5000 MW respectively) in Pakistan, the country remains unable to harness it fully which is essential to meet energy security. The main challenges are especially costs and the lack of sound policies, lack of appropriate technology, low technical capacity of power utilities/Government agencies, difficulties in grid integration and lack of private sector investment. Social and economic challenges are also need to be addressed keeping in view the success factors and hurdles to employ renewable energy at wider scale. Various organization like Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), National Productivity Organization (NPO), National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) are working to meet these challenges. The present study will cover the discussion on the development of renewable energy with perspective of socio-economic health of adopters, technologies and investment rate which will help to understand the major issues/difficulties in the implementation of renewable energy in the country.