PAKISTAN RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION EVOLUTION FROM 1947 TO PRESENT

Abstract

Since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan has faced persistent challenges in meeting its electricity demand due to limited initial infrastructure and rapid population and economic growth. The country’s renewable energy development began with hydropower, which remained the sole significant renewable source for several decades. Early installations provided minimal capacity; however, large reservoir-based projects later established hydropower as a central pillar of the national energy system. Despite this progress, increasing reliance on thermal generation led to rising fuel import dependency and long-term energy security concerns. A major shift occurred after 2015, when prolonged electricity shortages triggered accelerated investment in wind, solar, and distributed generation technologies. Policy reforms, revised renewable energy targets, and the nationwide expansion of net-metering played a critical role in this transition. By 2025, Pakistan’s installed power capacity exceeded 46 GW, with hydropower contributing nearly one-third and modern renewables steadily increasing their share. Nevertheless, the exploitation of Pakistan’s vast renewable potential remains constrained by financial, institutional, and transmission-related barriers. This paper critically evaluates the historical evolution, present status, and future trajectory of renewable energy in Pakistan, providing insight into the gap between policy ambitions and on-ground performance, and identifying key challenges that must be addressed to achieve sustainable and reliable power sector transformation.