Electricity in Pakistan in 2023/2024

Over the past twelve months, from August 2023 to July 2024, Pakistan has seen a balanced mix of electricity generation, with low-carbon sources contributing slightly more than half of the total electricity at about 54%. Hydropower stands out as the leading source among the low-carbon options, accounting for almost a third of the total electricity, followed by nuclear energy which provides roughly 18%. In terms of fossil fuels, natural gas makes up about 28% and coal accounts for approximately 16%, together summing up to a little more than 46% of the total electricity generation. The presence of wind power is still quite modest in the country's energy mix, contributing close to 3%, reflecting significant potential for growth in sustainable energy sources. While the current usage of clean energy technologies is promising, there is ample room for improvement, particularly as Pakistan seeks to curtail its reliance on fossil fuels, which is imperative given global concerns over climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Pakistan could strategically focus on expanding its nuclear energy capacity, a sector in which it is already making noteworthy headway. Learning from countries like France, where nuclear power constitutes an impressive 67% of electricity generation, and Ukraine's 55%, Pakistan could foster similar advancements. Both these nations demonstrate how extensive investment in nuclear infrastructure can lead to a substantial shift away from fossil energy dependence. Furthermore, with rapidly developing wind infrastructure in countries such as Denmark, generating 59% of its electricity from wind, and Uruguay with 36%, these models offer valuable insights into increasing wind generation capacity in Pakistan. By leveraging these countries' successful strategies, Pakistan can build a robust, sustainable electricity framework that champions both environmental and economic benefits.

History

Historically, Pakistan's journey towards low-carbon electricity shows swings in hydropower generation alongside more recent nuclear increments. During the late 1980s and the 1990s, hydropower fluctuated, with both positive and negative changes, such as a 3.9 TWh increase in 1987 and a notable decrease of 3.2 TWh in 1999. Moving forward, the early 2000s saw some stabilization with increments like a 4.6 TWh increase in 2003. However, the following decade once again showcased volatility, with declines in certain years. In stark contrast, notable progress in nuclear energy is observed in recent years: from a 2.7 TWh increase in 2017 to sequential gains of 6.1 TWh in 2021 and 6.5 TWh in 2022. These gradual expansions provide a promising outlook for low-carbon electricity's future role in Pakistan's energy sector, underscoring the importance of consistent investments in nuclear energy to secure a cleaner and more reliable electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources