Energy experts call for shift from fossil fuels to renewables

KARACHI: Experts, researchers, renewable energy representatives, and government officials have pointed to the urgent need for Pakistan to transition away from fossil fuels in both energy generation and consumption.

They shared their views at the launch of two studies conducted by the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED).

One of the studies examines the challenges, opportunities, costs and benefits associated with developing offshore wind energy projects. The other focuses on the need, feasibility and impact of shifting from gas-powered home appliances to electric alternatives.

PRIED researchers highlighted that Pakistan has significant potential to generate thousands of megawatts of electricity by establishing offshore wind projects in the Keti Bandar and Hangol areas of Sindh and Balochistan, respectively. They noted that offshore wind projects, being sea-based, eliminate the need for land acquisition and avoid noise pollution in residential areas.

However, they cautioned that these projects are more costly to construct and could disrupt naval traffic and local fishing livelihoods. Other attendees agreed that offshore wind technology is a future-oriented solution that Pakistan should explore to enhance energy security and ensure environmental sustainability over the next 25 years.

“Even if offshore wind appears costly and challenging today, technological advancements are rapid, and soon this option will be both financially and technically feasible for Pakistan,” said NA Zuberi, a senior engineer representing a Chinese energy firm in Pakistan. “We must be prepared to embrace this by creating a conducive regulatory and policy framework, as well as suitable infrastructure.”

The second study’s researchers explained that natural gas reserves in Pakistan are rapidly depleting, making it unsustainable to provide subsidised gas for home appliances. Furthermore, as a fossil fuel, natural gas is a significant contributor to climate change and should be replaced with renewable sources for cooking and heating at home.

“The 20th century was the age of oil and gas. The 21st century is the age of electricity. Pakistan must keep up with this trend and transition from oil and gas to electricity across all sectors, including domestic use,” said Gul Hassan Bhutto, an advisor to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), in his keynote speech.

Industry representatives and government officials endorsed the study’s findings but highlighted the financial, regulatory, and technological challenges associated with transitioning home appliances from gas to electricity.