Pakistan's New Energy Plan Cuts Reliance on Imported Gas

Pakistan now has more power than it needs thanks to solar, wind, and nuclear energy. This is a big change from last year when there were many power cuts.
By Newsroom | Energy, Pakistan |

Domestic Sources Bolster Grid Against LNG Volatility

Pakistan's increasing dependence on internal power generation, encompassing solar, wind, nuclear, coal, and hydropower, has markedly diminished its susceptibility to disruptions in the global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply chain. This assertion comes from Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari, who spoke to Reuters regarding the precarious geopolitical climate in the Middle East, a situation that casts a shadow over shipments from Qatar, a significant LNG exporter.

The minister highlighted that Pakistan, a nation long plagued by persistent electricity shortages and daily "load shedding" during periods of peak demand, now finds itself with a surplus of power generation capacity. This shift is attributed to recent additions of coal, LNG, and nuclear power plants, coupled with a slowdown in demand growth and a dramatic increase in the adoption of rooftop solar energy.

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Rooftop solar installations across Pakistan now reportedly exceed 20 gigawatts (GW), with the capacity of these "behind-the-meter" systems estimated to be between 12 to 14 GW, and potentially as high as 18 GW. This decentralized energy generation is noted for significantly reducing daytime demand on the national grid.

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Powering the Nation: A Diversified Approach

The minister provided figures indicating the substantial contributions of these domestic sources:

  • Hydropower generates approximately 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually.

  • Nuclear power contributes roughly 22 TWh each year.

  • Domestic coal provides about 12 TWh.

These figures underscore the growing importance of non-imported fuel sources in meeting Pakistan's energy needs, presenting a buffer against the vagaries of international energy markets, particularly concerning LNG. The US is the primary supplier of Pakistan's imported LNG, which is predominantly used to power electricity plants during peak demand periods. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East adds a layer of complexity to these import routes.

A History of Scarcity, A Present of Surplus?

For years, Pakistan has grappled with a stark contrast between energy demand and supply, a struggle that manifested in hours of power outages for its citizens, especially during the sweltering summer months. The current narrative of surplus capacity, driven by diversified domestic energy portfolios, represents a significant departure from this historical pattern. The minister's comments suggest a strategic recalibration in Pakistan's energy sourcing, aimed at achieving greater self-reliance and resilience in the face of external pressures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Pakistan using less imported gas for energy?
Pakistan is using more energy from local sources like solar, wind, and nuclear power. This makes the country less dependent on imported gas, especially when there are problems in other countries.
Q: How much solar power is Pakistan using?
Pakistan has over 20 gigawatts (GW) of solar power from rooftop installations. This helps reduce the demand on the main power grid during the day.
Q: What are the main local energy sources in Pakistan?
The main local energy sources are hydropower, which makes about 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) each year, nuclear power with about 22 TWh, and domestic coal providing around 12 TWh.
Q: Will this change help with power cuts in Pakistan?
Yes, the government says Pakistan now has more power generation than it needs. This is different from the past when there were frequent power cuts, especially in summer.
Q: How does global unrest affect Pakistan's energy?
Global unrest, especially in the Middle East, can make it harder and more expensive to get imported gas like LNG. By using more local energy, Pakistan is safer from these problems.