SDG 7 in Pakistan: Achieving Affordable, Reliable, and Sustainable Energy by 2030
SDG 7 Statement:
“Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.”
Key Points of SDG 7:
1. Universal Energy Access: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030.
2. Increase Renewable Energy Share: Substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
3. Improve Energy Efficiency: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030.
4. International Cooperation: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
5. Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades: Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying sustainable energy in developing countries.
SDG 7 in Pakistan:
Pakistan’s path toward achieving SDG 7 involves addressing energy shortages, a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, and improving access to renewable energy sources. Below are the key aspects, challenges, and progress of implementing SDG 7 in the country.
1. Energy Access and Electrification
Current Status:
As of 2024, Pakistan has a total installed power generation capacity of 46,035 MW, including thermal, hydroelectric, wind, solar, bagasse, and nuclear sources. Despite this capacity, the country faces a distribution limitation, with a transmission and distribution capacity of only 22,000 MW. Pakistan’s electricity consumption in fiscal 2024 was 68,559 GWh, with households being the largest consumer at 49.2%. However, due to an inefficient distribution system, 5–54 million people lack access to electricity, while others face load shedding.
Challenges:
· Frequent power outages and energy inequalities, particularly in rural areas.
· Lack of infrastructure leads to high electricity tariffs, further burdening consumers.
Initiatives:
The government is implementing rural electrification programs and off-grid solutions such as solar home systems to improve energy access in remote regions.
2. Renewable Energy Development
Potential:
Pakistan has significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind power, due to its geographical advantage.
Policy Efforts:
The Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy (ARE) 2019 aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 30% of the total energy mix by 2030.
Progress:
· Large-scale solar and wind projects, such as the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and the Jhimpir Wind Corridor, have been initiated.
· Pakistan is expected to import around 5 GW of solar panels in 2024, driven by growing demand for renewable energy.
Challenges:
The country remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, slowing the transition to renewables.
3. Hydropower and Large Dams
Existing Infrastructure:
Hydropower is a key renewable resource in Pakistan, with 32 operational projects producing over 10,635 MW, and several others under construction.
Concerns:
While hydropower contributes significantly to the energy mix, large projects raise environmental and social concerns, including displacement of local communities.
4. Role of Natural Gas and Fossil Fuels
Despite its renewable potential, Pakistan’s energy mix remains dominated by fossil fuels, including natural gas, LNG, and coal. The country has 28,320 MW of thermal projects in service, raising environmental concerns due to high emissions.
5. Challenges to SDG 7 Implementation
Financial Constraints:
Pakistan needs substantial investment to modernize its energy infrastructure, improve efficiency, and transition to renewable energy sources.
Policy and Regulatory Barriers:
Bureaucratic delays, ineffective policy implementation, and corruption slow progress.
Environmental Impact:
Pakistan’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, undermining the country’s environmental sustainability goals.
6. International Support and Cooperation
Pakistan collaborates with international partners such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to secure funding for energy projects. However, the country faces a growing circular debt problem, which reached Rs2.5 trillion in January 2024, largely due to inefficiencies and corruption in the power sector.
7. Public-Private Partnerships
Encouraging private sector involvement is a key strategy for boosting investment in renewable energy. The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) facilitates private-sector participation in large-scale energy projects, offering tax exemptions and guaranteed power purchase agreements to investors.
Future Outlook:
Targets by 2030:
Pakistan aims to achieve 60% clean energy by 2030, focusing on hydropower, solar, and wind energy. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country’s commitment to SDG 7, however, will require continued focus on policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and international cooperation to overcome challenges like corruption and environmental concerns.
Conclusion:
Achieving SDG 7 in Pakistan by 2030 is crucial for ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access for all. The country has made significant progress, particularly in renewable energy development, but challenges such as power outages, fossil fuel dependence, and financial constraints persist. International cooperation, public-private partnerships, and policy reforms are essential to overcoming these obstacles and transitioning to a clean energy future. As Pakistan works toward increasing the share of renewables and improving energy efficiency, sustained investment and strategic planning will be key to meeting its energy goals.