The need for energy is constantly increasing all around the world and the reason is developing industries and technology-based systems. The energy crisis is a common issue in Pakistan as the country doesn’t have enough energy sources to meet the demand of the increasing population. Many places in Pakistan don’t have electricity while in urban areas load shedding lasts for more than 8 hours a day. Due to poor economic conditions, the country is unable to buy fuel sources on large scale. When it comes to energy sources environmental sustainability should be taken into consideration. The objectives of sustainable development require a clean green environment by using renewable energy sources.
History:
The first solar power on-grid plant was established in Islamabad on 29th May 2012.The project initiated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency includes two photovoltaic systems with 178kilowatt capacity. These photovoltaic systems are installed at Pakistan Engineering Council and Planning Commission sites.
Ongoing Energy Conditions in Pakistan
Pakistan uses fossil fuel as energy sources that include liquid petroleum gas, oil, natural gas, and coal. Other sources are hydropower and nuclear energy. Coal-based energy counts for 4.5% of the total electricity supply. Hydropower-based electricity has a 9.2 % contribution and nuclear energy accounts for 1.1 % entire electricity supply. Oil, gas, and liquid petroleum gas have a major contribution to the total electricity supply that shares 85.2 % of all electricity sources.
Pakistan – An Ideal Country for Solar Energy Generation
The location of Pakistan makes it a favorable country for its dependence on solar energy. The summers are longer than any other season and days are shiny for most of the time in the year. Solar energy-based electricity can be provided to remote places in the country where conventional electricity is not present especially in deserts and mountainous areas. Pakistan requires plans and strategies to initiate the development of indigenous energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Solar energy can be used to produce electricity and other than that solar cookers and solar water heaters are prime examples of solar energy-based products that are widely used in the world. Shifting to renewable energy sources such as solar energy will reduce the burden on fossil fuel import as well as this is environmentally friendly technology.
Solar Energy in Pakistan
Pakistan receives about 5.3 kWh/m2/ solar irradiance per day. A target has been set by the government of Pakistan to increase renewable capacity up to 10gigawatt before 2030. The diesel will be replaced with 10% biodiesel before 2025.
Conclusion
The climatic conditions of Pakistan make solar energy a favorable alternative to nonrenewable energy sources that are often responsible for environmental pollution. The country is trying to utilize solar power by increasing solar energy-based power plants however the efforts are not significant. Various areas of Pakistan have solar power plants.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the government of Pakistan should adopt solar technology on a larger scale because it will help overcome the energy crisis in the country. Public awareness is important related to the use of solar energy and the importance of solar power panels.
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