The potential for renewable energy technologies to bridge the gap between energy supply and demand in Pakistan is significant. Renewable energy projects have the potential to improve energy security, provide socioeconomic benefits, reduce local pollution and mitigate climate change (Masud 2009).
Why is it important to use renewable energy?
Environmental and economic benefits of using renewable energy include: Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution. Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels.
Which renewable energy source can be used in Pakistan?
Pakistan has four main renewable energy sources. These are wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. These resources have a significant potential to provide solutions to the long-lasting energy crisis in Pakistan [8].
What is the main source of energy in Pakistan?
According to National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) 2019 yearly report, Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity is 39000 MW, of which 66% of energy comes from thermal (fossil fuels), 24% from hydro, and 6% from renewable (wind, solar and bagasse) and 4% from nuclear.
What are advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy?
Disadvantages of renewable energy resources
| Energy Resource | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroelectric power stations | Clean and cheap to run | Expensive to set up and output could be affected by drought |
| Solar cells | Clean and cheap to run | Not always sunny and output does not always outweigh initial cost to set up |
Why renewable energy is bad?
Although renewable energy sources produce relatively low levels of GHG emissions and conventional air pollution, manufacturing and transporting them will produce some emissions and pollutants. The production of some photovoltaic (PV) cells, for instance, generates toxic substances that may contaminate water resources.