Renewable Energy Integration Challenges in Pakistan’s Power Sector

Abstract

The potential of the renewable energy in South Asian country Pakistan is high but it is not combined with the national power system. Despite abundance of solar, wind and hydropower in the country, the country is extensively consuming imported fossil fuels that have translated to high cost of generation, energy insecurity, and environmental degradation. The significant concerns that would hamper the implementation of renewable energy in the power industry in Pakistan will be discussed in this paper and it will comprise technical, policy and regulatory, financial, grid and institutional inefficiencies. The findings are that the transmission network that existed in the olden days, anomalies in national policies, lack of trust on the private sector, and poor investment are major issues in the mass deployment of renewable energy. The paper also emphasizes the need to have a wholesome policy reform, grid modernization and investment incentives to ease the process of Pakistan transitioning to sustainable and secure energy future.