The important contribution of renewable energy technologies in overcoming Pakistan's energy crisis: Present challenges and potential opportunities

In recent years, the environmental and economic consequences of coal, gasoline and other conventional energy sources have been widely discussed. Currently, Pakistan's energy output is highly dependent on these resources; as a consequence, the country is facing a severe energy crisis. The government spends more than $3.7 billion annually on fossil fuel imports, which has a significant impact on an already vulnerable economy. Moreover, the country is ranked as the seventh-most impacted region by climate change, making it critical for the government to take proactive measures. Renewable energy that is both economical and sustainable will become a realistic and viable choice for satisfying Pakistan's current and future energy demands. This article provides a detailed overview of Pakistan's long-standing energy scarcity concerns and discusses the country's current renewable energy challenges and opportunities. Additionally, Pakistan's efforts in the realm of renewable energy are compared to those of other Asian nations in order to understand how these countries are advancing renewable energy sources. Numerous statistics show that despite government initiatives, the amount of power generated from renewable sources falls short of the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan’s (IGCEP’s) 2025 and 2030 targets. Achieving these aspirational targets will require competent policies, incentives, technological expertise and substantial political and financial commitments. Hence, this article also advised policymakers and city municipalities on how to enhance energy infrastructure, knowledge and the capacity for overcoming future challenges. In contrast, the development of renewable energy in Pakistan has been an extremely successful endeavour, but an effective and efficient approach is necessary to leverage the benefits of rapid progress.