Since the beginning of time, our planet has been powered by the sun, a renewable resource. Solar energy in Pakistan is free, abundant, and sustainable. It is an environmentally friendly way to generate electricity that does not emit harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere or deplete natural resources like coal does.
Renewable energy technologies, particularly solar, have grown rapidly in recent years to improve energy security and access while mitigating climate change. Countries such as Germany have long jumped on the solar bandwagon and now generate one-third of their electricity from the sun. Interestingly, Pakistan is an ideal candidate for solar power generation due to high solar irradiation levels. Despite this, solar accounts for only 1% of Pakistan's energy mix, despite a potential of 2.9 million Megawatts, according to the Pakistan Alternative Energy Board.
Solar technology investment can improve energy access, create jobs, increase income, improve the trade balance, and contribute to industrial development. The socioeconomic benefits of solar are astounding, and its impact can be maximized with sound macroeconomic policies.
Job Creation
Pakistan's investment in solar energy will not only power the future but will also help create jobs in the operations, maintenance, and manufacturing sectors. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that the renewable energy job market will grow by 24 million by 2030. Furthermore, IRENA predicts that doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix will increase global GDP by $1.3 trillion. As a result, the next step in creating more jobs is a steady shift away from mechanized and capital-intensive fossil fuel technologies and toward the labor-intensive solar industry.
Trade Balance
Solar energy investments can benefit a developing country like Pakistan's economy and trade. According to sources, Pakistan's economy is currently heavily reliant on a steady supply of imported fuels, with a demand of 23 million tonnes per year expected to rise to 27 million tonnes by 2020. We can improve our trade balance and GDP by reducing fuel imports because we will no longer be spending large amounts of our foreign exchange reserves. Furthermore, we can benefit from the "green economy" by encouraging domestic and foreign investments that will enable manufacturing and expand our service sector.
Industrial Development
Pakistan's energy crisis has crippled its industries. Long load shedding and power outages lasting more than 12 hours have significantly decreased output. Furthermore, reliance on diesel generators and other energy sources is an additional cost that must be borne. As a result, Pakistan can easily overcome its energy crisis by going solar while actively contributing to its industrial development and growth.
Human Welfare
Solar energy can be found almost anywhere. This is especially beneficial in Pakistan because solar energy is easily scalable and can be harvested in areas with little to no electricity. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), half of Pakistan's rural population still lacks access to electricity. As a result, providing these villages with solar power systems can quickly improve their lives.
Climate Change
Our current reliance on fossil-fuel-based power plants places us in a vulnerable position. Carbon emissions, floods, droughts, and heat waves are just a few of the current environmental and climate issues. According to the Long-Term Climate Risk Index (CRI), Pakistan ranks seventh, with 523.1 deaths yearly due to extreme weather events.
In conclusion, there is no denying that going solar has numerous environmental benefits; however, in Pakistan, it is the potential economic change that makes solar so appealing. Solar energy has the potential to stimulate economic growth and development. Our current energy situation is easily correctable, and we can reach reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Wrap up
Solar energy in Pakistan has a promising future. Solar power has the potential to be a significant source of energy for many countries, including those with insecure or unstable governments. This is evident in how quickly developing countries are shifting to renewable energy as their primary source of power generation.
If you need Solar Energy System services in Pakistan, please call (+92) 0341 7426777 or visit https://www.shams-power.com.
