Pakistan's electricity consumption in 2024 reflects a balanced mix between low-carbon and fossil fuel sources, with a slight edge towards fossil fuels, which account for more than half of the total electricity generation. The fossil fuel category is predominantly led by gas which contributes about a quarter, followed by coal at roughly 14%. On the other hand, close to half of Pakistan’s electricity is derived from low-carbon sources. Hydropower leads the low-carbon category at nearly 19%, proving its significance in the energy mix. Similarly, nuclear energy contributes over 13%, making it a substantial low-carbon electricity source. Solar energy is responsible for a lower but considerable share at just over 10%, while wind and biofuels have minimal contributions, totaling slightly more than 4% combined.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Pakistan?
Despite the pressing need for growth in electricity generation to meet future demand, Pakistan's electricity consumption has stagnated in recent years. The total electricity consumption stands at 727 kWh per person in 2024, a negligible change from 2023's 728 kWh per person. While total consumption remains stagnant, notable progress has been made in increasing low-carbon electricity generation, which grew from 309 kWh per person in 2023 to 338 kWh per person in 2024. This marks an encouraging rise in cleaner energy sources within the country's electricity mix, albeit set against a backdrop of stagnated overall electricity consumption.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation further, Pakistan can focus on expanding its nuclear and solar energy capacities. Nuclear energy already plays a crucial role, and countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate the immense potential of nuclear power, where it constitutes two-thirds of their electricity mix. Pakistan can also look to emulate regions with leading solar initiatives, such as Nevada and California, where solar contributes a significant 30% or more of electricity generation. By expanding nuclear and solar infrastructure, Pakistan can contribute more effectively to tackling climate change and reducing air pollution, all while ensuring a sustainable and greener future.
History
Historically, the trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in Pakistan has experienced several shifts. The 1990s saw fluctuations in hydropower output, with notable increases in the early years countered by declines towards the end of the decade. The early 2000s marked a period of growth, particularly in hydropower, while the latter half of the decade faced setbacks. However, recent years have ushered in a notable shift with increasing contributions from nuclear energy, particularly from 2016 onwards, spurring sustainable electricity growth in the country. The addition of solar energy in recent years, with significant gains in 2023 and 2024, highlights the momentum Pakistan is building in cleaner energy sources. These trends demonstrate Pakistan's commitment to not only diversifying but also increasing its low-carbon electricity generation capacity.
