When it regards energy security, the globe is at risk. Due to decades of appeals to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, countries have continued to rely on coal, oil, and gas to power their economy. Not only has the use of fossil fuels contributed to increased carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, but we have also created a worldwide society in which food and energy systems are particularly abundant, making them especially sensitive to disturbance.
Energy Crisis
The term “energy crisis” refers to a shortage or disruption in the energy supply. It may surprise you that industrialized countries such as China and Japan are also energy unstable. The world’s second and third-largest economies are unstable regarding energy requirements and output.
This is because energy instability is characterised by whether a country produces energy to fulfil its needs, imports energy to cover its needs, or exports energy to other states. In this sense, energy security for a self-sufficient country may be characterised as having energy available, convenient, and inexpensive in all circumstances.
Energy Crisis in Pakistan
The globe is experiencing an energy shortfall, sending shockwaves from Europe to Asia. Pakistan is facing an energy crisis of epic proportions. Pakistan’s energy industry is in crisis as a result of a lack of energy output to satisfy the country’s growing demand during the previous few decades. The country is grappling with a severe shortage of electricity that has led to widespread blackouts and load-shedding. Pakistan is dependent entirely on foreign energy supplies such as gas and oil.
Root Causes of Pakistan’s Energy Crisis
Many factors have contributed to the energy crisis in Pakistan. One of the primary causes is the country’s rapidly growing population. As the population increases, so does the energy demand. Another major cause is Pakistan’s reliance on imported oil to meet its energy needs. This dependence has made Pakistan vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Additionally, insufficient investment in the country’s energy infrastructure has contributed to the problem.
Import of energy supplies: Fuel costs have skyrocketed due to the crisis between Ukraine and Russia, threatening the supply chain and posing a challenge for Pakistan to sustain the proper functioning of its power plant. LNG businesses have abandoned their commitments with Pakistan to capitalise on lucrative European markets. Long-term LNG suppliers delayed numerous deliveries slated for shipment in recent months, significantly limiting supply and causing issues for Pakistan. Pakistan is being obliged to purchase expensive LNG.
Rising demand: Pakistan’s population has been growing rapidly in recent years, leading to a corresponding increase in demand for electricity. However, the country’s energy infrastructure has not been able to keep up with this demand, leading to widespread blackouts.
Decreasing supply: Pakistan relies heavily on imported fossil fuels such as oil and gas to generate electricity. However, these supplies have often been disrupted due to political instability and poor relations with neighbouring countries. This has put even more strain on an already overburdened power grid.
Solutions to Pakistan’s Energy Crisis
Pakistan is in the midst of an energy crisis. The country faces an electricity deficit of over 6000 MW and a gas deficit of over 400 CFD. The energy sector is in dire need of reform and investment. The good news is that there are solutions to Pakistan’s energy crisis. Some of the most viable options include:
- Generating electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind: Pakistan has great potential for generating electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind. In fact, according to some estimates, the country has the potential to generate enough solar power to meet its entire electricity needs several times over. The government should encourage investment in renewables by providing tax breaks and other incentives.
- Improving energy efficiency: One of the easiest ways to ease the burden on Pakistan’s power grid is by improving energy efficiency. This can be done through measures such as using more efficient light bulbs and appliances, better insulation of buildings, and improved management of industrial processes.
- Investing in nuclear power: Nuclear power is a safe, clean, and reliable energy source. And although it requires a large upfront investment, it can be a cost-effective option in the long run. Pakistan should consider investing in nuclear power as part of its efforts to solve its energy crisis.
- Improve energy conservation: Another way to ease the energy crisis in Pakistan is by improving energy conservation. A report by NEPRA found that Pakistani households consume 30% more electricity than similar households in India and Sri Lanka. There are several ways to improve energy conservation, such as using more efficient appliances, LED lights, and solar water heaters.
- Reduce transmission and distribution losses: Another strategy to improve Pakistan’s electrical supply status is to reduce transmission and distribution losses. Power transmission and distribution inefficiencies constitute 24% of total power generated in Pakistan, according to NEPRA. This is one of the world’s greatest loss rates. Reducing these losses will reduce Pakistan’s electricity shortage.
- Improve governance and regulation: One final way to address the energy crisis in Pakistan is by improving governance and regulation. Corruption, incompetence, and political influence hamper Pakistan’s energy sector. Improving governance and regulation will help attract more investment into the sector and improve its overall performance.
Hashi GoC a Way Forward
By 2030, there will be a huge shift away from traditional energy production methods and toward alternative and renewable energy. National policies have been authorized, and implementation has begun. In this rapidly shifting global energy scenario, Hashi GoC is offering a path ahead. Hashi GoC will use solar energy in its two key projects, “The Hash Mall and The Hash Residency,” to lessen their reliance on conventional energy sources and make them self-sufficient. Other options, such as the usage of windmills, would also be considered to lessen their dependence on the national grid.
