akistan, with a population of about 241 million, has been facing an energy crisis since 2006 as electricity supply has not been meeting the demand. Pakistan has a total energy demand of about 25,000 MW. However, the supply is limited to around 22,000 MW, leaving 3,000 MW gap that widens to 6,000 MW in peak summer. In March 2024, Pakistan’s total installed electricity generation capacity reached 42,131 MW. The country generated 92,091 GWh of electricity. Thermal power generation accounted for the largest share with 59.4 percent followed by hydro at 25.4 percent, nuclear at 8.4 percent and other renewable sources at 6.8 percent. Pakistan’s energy sector contributes approximately 47 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the country. High dependence on fossil fuels is not sustainable given the financial and environmental costs that add to Pakistan’s climate vulnerability. Pakistan holds a strategic geographical position. It is rich in renewable energy potential that offers a key solution to the country’s ongoing energy problems and global call for sustainable energy.

This year, Earth Day’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, is a reminder of the urgent need to triple the country’s clean energy generation by 2030. Pakistan’s renewable energy policies are closely linked to Nationally Determined Contributions that highlight its climate action plan under the Paris Agreement. The updated NDC targets, submitted in 2021, include: transitioning 60 percent of national energy mix to renewables; electrifying 30 percent of transportation; banning imported coal-based power; and 50 percent emission reduction by 2030. This shift is driven by several policy initiatives like Alternative Renewable Energy 2019 policy and National Electric Vehicle policy that promote transition to clean energy and sustainable transportation. Other policy frameworks, like National Power Policy 2013, CPEC Energy Framework and Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan, provide guidance for future energy mix and energy diversification.

From WWF-Pakistan’s perspective, and in alignment with this year’s theme, a strategic transition is necessary to unlock Pakistan’s green energy future. This shift is not just about power generation, it is also about empowering people and protecting the planet. We can support this transition by advocating for effective policies and collaborating with stakeholders from all sectors, including government, private business, civil society and local communities.

WWF-Pakistan under the Climate and Energy Programme has been working on increasing energy security by providing clean energy to remote areas, farms and rural households alongside supporting initiatives towards energy conservation and promotion of renewable energy resources through facilitation dialogues between stakeholders. WWF-Pakistan in partnership with SAMA Verte supported the development of Pakistan Cooling Action Plan between 2021 and 2023 through stakeholder consultations that facilitate market assessment of cooling appliances and provide research expertise to address the data gaps in the cooling sector. The implementation of PCAP actions has the potential to reduce (from present to 2030) 28Mt of CO₂ emissions (5Mt CO₂ direct and 23Mt CO₂ indirect) and 50tWh in energy consumption.

SolaPanda is a practical solution to tackle climate change using renewable energy to off-grid and on-grid communities. The initiative is helping attain the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals more efficiently, mainly SDG 7: affordable and clean energy, SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities and SDG 10: reduce inequalities. Under the One Planet City Challenge, WWF-Pakistan is providing 12 communal biogas plants to 41 households, 1,650 home based solar units to off-grid communities and 960 households with fuel efficient stoves and gasifiers to increase energy security and climate resilience in Karachi.

Despite various commitments, Pakistan’s renewable energy sector faces challenges due to lack of regulation, climate finance, decentralised renewables and local manufacturing. Grid infrastructure needs to be developed to ensure reliable transmission, improve capital markets strategies and boost investor confidence. With the right policies and implementation strategies, Pakistan can achieve its renewable targets, overcome emissions and promote sustainable growth. This green energy transition must include the integration of decentralised renewables like mini solar-grids for rural areas, promoting energy policies related to renewable targets and climate goals, mobilising green financing using energy bonds, and encouraging public engagement and awareness campaigns that empower youth and marginalised groups as stakeholders. Consistency in policy, implementation and finance are key to achieving a low-carbon energy secure future.

Nazifa Butt is the climate action and sustainability director at WWF-Pakistan 

Shanzey Asghar is a researcher