Pakistan has taken a significant step towards addressing its data scarcity challenges by launching the Pakistan Energy and Climate Insights (PECI) dashboard and releasing the second edition of the study “Powering Pakistan’s Future: Pathways to Optimize Affordable & Sustainable Electricity Generation Beyond IGCEP 2024-34.”
The PECI dashboard consolidates fragmented energy data from various sources, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for accessing and analyzing energy information from 2004 to 2024. This valuable resource empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and support the development of sustainable energy policies.
The study, co-hosted by Renewables First (RF) and the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED), offers a critical analysis of the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) prepared by the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC). The study highlights shortcomings in the IGCEP, such as missing tariff assumptions, lack of transparency, and overcommitted power projects that deviate from the least-cost criteria.
The study proposes alternative scenarios for achieving a 20 percent share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s energy mix, even with existing grid constraints. It emphasizes the need for a shift towards more sustainable and affordable electricity generation, considering the impact of solarization and demand reduction.
The panel discussion at the launch event explored strategies for optimizing sustainable and affordable electricity generation. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning centralized generation expansion with declining energy demand due to the rise of decentralized solar. They also called for urgent policy adaptation to address geopolitical shifts and technological advancements, such as implementing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) policy and modernizing the grid with smart meters and SCADA systems.
The PECI dashboard and study offer valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, energy professionals, and stakeholders to make informed decisions and contribute to Pakistan’s sustainable energy future.
