PESHAWAR
\nAs the world accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, Pakistan finds itself trailing behind, with just 12.2% of its electricity currently sourced from renewables which is a stark contrast to the advances made by its regional peers.
\nDespite being endowed with vast solar, wind, coal, and hydel potential, the country remains mired in an substantial energy shortage marked by frequent blackouts, high power tariffs, outdated infrastructure, and growing public discontent.
\n\u201cPakistan\u2019s power woes are deeply rooted in decades of underinvestment in sustainable energy solutions. The country\u2019s reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are not only costly but also volatile in price, has led to a ballooning circular debt and a fragile electricity grid\u201d said Professor Dr Zilakat Malik, former Chairman Economics Department at University of Peshawar while talking to APP.
\nHe referred to the Economic Survey of Pakistan (2024-25) that revealed that the nation\u2019s total installed power generation capacity stands at 46,605 MW, with a disproportionate dependence on thermal sources (55.7%), followed by hydropower (24.4%), nuclear (7.8%), and renewables (12.2%).
\nHalf of this electricity comes from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), a model widely criticized for its high generation costs and take-or-pay contracts that compel the government to pay for electricity whether it\u2019s consumed or not.
\n\u201cPakistan\u2019s economic progress is closely tied to massive investments in renewable energy and the construction of new dams,\u201d stressed Professor Dr. Zilakat Malik.
\nHe said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possesses significant coal potential, with major deposits located in areas like Hangu-Orakzai, Cherat, Gulakhel, and Dara Adamkhel.
\nHe said an estimated total reserves reach around 120 million tons, primarily in the Hangu formation. However, development is hindered by dog-hole mining methods and a lack of comprehensive 3D geological data, though it could significantly reduce Pakistan\u2019s reliance on imported energy if properly exploited.
\n\u201cOur energy mix needs urgent diversification. We\u2019re blessed with solar, wind and hydel potential, and even our coal resources, if responsibly developed, could help bridge our energy deficit.\u201d
\nHe added that projects like the 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant have played a vital role in ensuring reliable, large-scale power generation. However, he emphasized that Pakistan must now prioritize a transition to cleaner, sustainable sources to secure its energy future.
\nEfforts to promote solar energy have also been hindered. A notable example is the reduction in the buyback rate for surplus solar power from Rs27 to Rs10 per unit, discouraging residential and commercial solar adoption.
\nCoupled with technical challenges and policy inconsistencies, these factors risk derailing the country\u2019s renewable momentum at a time when global climate pressures and economic needs demand urgency.
\nIn contrast, the 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, a flagship project, has emerged as a model for operational excellence. A spokesperson from the plant underscored their Total Quality Management (TQM) approach, emphasizing a holistic and proactive system for quality control and assurance.
\n\u201cOur quality assurance isn\u2019t just about compliance but it\u2019s about building long-term trust and operational efficiency,\u201d the spokesperson said. \u201cWe follow a dual strategy combining Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) to maintain high safety, reliability, and performance.
\nOne of the plant\u2019s most distinctive assets is its state-of-the-art metal testing laboratory, which plays a central role in ensuring component integrity and process reliability.
\nEquipped with advanced tools such as
\nHS610e Ultrasonic Flaw Detector for internal defect detection, XL 2800C Handheld Alloy Analyzer using XRF technology for material composition analysis, DM2700M Metallographic Microscope for structural analysis,
\nMagnetic Flaw Detectors for weld inspections, HT2000A Leeb Hardness Tester for material strength assessment,
\nOlympus 27MG Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge for corrosion monitoring, the laboratory provides comprehensive support for preventive maintenance, failure analysis, and long-term operational safety.
\n\u201cThese instruments allow us to detect early signs of wear and structural weaknesses, enabling timely interventions that reduce downtime and extend equipment life,\u201d the spokesperson added.
\nExperts argued that the Sahiwal model of rigorous quality control and proactive maintenance should be replicated not only in thermal projects but also in upcoming renewable energy ventures.
\nWhile coal may still have a significant role to play in the short-term energy mix, the long-term viability of Pakistan\u2019s power sector hinges on decarbonization, investment in solar and wind infrastructure, and grid modernization.
\n\u201cEconomic growth is impossible without energy security,\u201d Dr. Malik reiterated. \u201cAnd in today\u2019s world, energy security is synonymous with renewable energy.\u201d
\nAs Pakistan continues to grapple with the dual challenge of energy shortages and climate change, transitioning to clean energy is not merely an environmental necessity rather it is an economic imperative for sustainable growth and social equity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR As the world accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, Pakistan finds itself trailing behind, with just 12.2% of its electricity currently sourced from renewables which is a stark contrast to the advances made by its regional peers. Despite being endowed with vast solar, wind, coal, and hydel potential, the country remains mired in an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-498832","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n