Pakistan's electricity consumption for the year 2025 shows a promising inclination towards clean energy generation. More than half of the electricity used comes from low-carbon sources, making up 64% of the share. Within this group, hydropower contributes around a quarter of the total electricity, solar energy brings in close to a similar share, and nuclear power accounts for nearly 15%. The remainder of low-carbon electricity is sourced from wind energy, albeit at a modest fraction of under 3%. Still, fossil fuels account for around 36% of the overall consumption, with gas and coal having notable shares at nearly 20% and 15%, respectively. Although fossil fuel use remains significant, Pakistan’s focus on clean electricity is encouraging.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Pakistan?
However, regarding the growth of electricity consumption, Pakistan seems to be facing a concerning trend. The latest data indicates a reduction in total electricity consumption, dropping from 728 kWh per person in 2023 to 636 kWh per person in 2025—a decrease of 92 kWh per person. Despite this, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a positive turn, increasing to 409 kWh per person from the previous record of 338 kWh per person in 2024, marking a noteworthy rise of 72 kWh per person. While the overall consumption of electricity raises concerns, the growth in low-carbon electricity generation reflects a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Pakistan can look to expand both its solar and nuclear sectors. With a substantial part of its electricity already coming from these sources, further investment can yield greater returns. Examining global successes, Pakistan might take cues from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes more than half to their electricity generation. In terms of solar expansion, North Macedonia presents a remarkable example, generating close to 50% of its electricity from solar sources. By applying strategies from these regions, Pakistan can enhance its clean energy output, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels and fostering a sustainable electricity landscape.
History
Historically, Pakistan’s low-carbon electricity narrative has been marked by both challenges and growth. From the 1990s through the early 21st century, the country experienced fluctuations in hydropower generation, with periods of significant increases followed by substantial declines. Positive change occurred in 2017 as nuclear power gained momentum, further strengthening in subsequent years through 2022. Solar energy too began its ascent in 2023, with dramatic increases seen by 2025. Meanwhile, hydropower continued its growth trajectory in 2025 with a robust increase of 5.5 TWh. This history reflects Pakistan’s commitment to clean energy, with substantial advancements witnessed particularly in recent years.
