SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN BARRIERS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

Energy generation in Pakistan relies heavily on fossil fuels, which are increasingly unable to meet the country's growing energy demands due to its large population and industrialization. These safe energy sources also stance significant environmental risks and are not practical for electrifying remote areas. Therefore, exploring alternative energy sources is crucial. Despite the introduction of policies such as the Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy (ARE Policy) 2019, progress in renewable energy adoption is hindered by poor implementation and inadequate stakeholder engagement. Technical barriers, such as outdated grid infrastructure and insufficient energy storage solutions, further delay development. Financial challenges, particularly high upfront costs, also impede the growth of the solar energy sector. Institutional barriers, including inconsistent provincial policies and weak public-private partnerships, contribute to the slow progress. Through semi-structured interviews with industry professional’s surveys with vendors and consumers, key barriers across the solar energy range have been identified. This research proposes important policy recommendations for institutions and the government to address these challenges and maximize the utilization of solar energy in Pakistan.