In 2024, Pakistan's electricity consumption paints a picture of a country almost evenly split between fossil and clean energy sources, with just over half of the electricity still relying on fossil fuels, primarily gas and coal. Specifically, fossil fuels contribute approximately 53% to the electricity mix, while low-carbon sources like hydropower, nuclear, solar, wind, and biofuels account for close to 47% of the supply. Within the low-carbon category, hydropower leads with around 19%, and nuclear energy also plays a significant role at 13%. Solar energy has seen a commendable rise, contributing about 10% to the mix, while wind energy stands at nearly 3%, and biofuels round off the clean sources with just over 1%.
Is Electricity Growing in Pakistan?
Pakistan's electricity consumption per person has seen a slight uptick from 728 kWh in 2023 to 740 kWh in 2024, indicating a growth in electricity use. Despite this modest increase of 13 kWh per person, it's heartening to see that clean electricity generation has grown at a faster pace. The low-carbon electricity generation per person rose from 309 kWh in 2023 to 344 kWh in 2024, marking an impressive increase of 35 kWh per person. This trend reflects a positive shift towards embracing sustainable, green energy to meet the increasing electricity demand while minimizing environmental impacts.
Suggestions
To further bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Pakistan could consider expanding its nuclear and solar capabilities, which are already substantial components of its energy mix. By learning from countries like France and Ukraine, where nuclear energy constitutes over half of their electricity supply, Pakistan can enhance its own nuclear infrastructure. Similarly, following in the footsteps of Lebanon and Chile, which leverage solar power to generate 31% and 22% of their electricity, respectively, Pakistan can significantly amplify its solar energy production. By marrying local strategies with successful global practices, Pakistan can decisively transform its energy landscape, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Pakistan reveals a mixed progress story. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, hydropower was the primary focus, with notable increases during the early 2000s, such as a surge in 2003 and 2005. However, these gains were interspersed with periods of decline, most notably between 2007 and 2017. On a brighter note, nuclear energy has seen significant advancements in recent years, especially from 2017 onward, highlighted by continuous growth between 2021 and 2022. Solar energy has emerged strongly, particularly in the last two years, with substantial gains from 2023 to 2024, marking an exciting new chapter in Pakistan's commitment to adaptive clean energy solutions.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.