Diagnosis of electricity crisis and scope of wind power in Pakistan

Abstract

Electricity performs an integral role in the economic development and improvement in the living standard of a nation. Unfortunately, Pakistan is currently experiencing one of its worst periods of power shortages. The purpose of this paper is based on diagnosing the present electricity crisis in Pakistan and to discuss the outlook for the diffusion of wind power in the mix of established electricity generation, which relies too heavily on imported fossil fuels at the cost of precious foreign exchange. The existing electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) network has miserably failed to meet the country's requirements. Diversification of the present electricity-generation mix, with a significant increase in the contribution from exploitable wind-power potential recommended, along with upgrading and overhaul of existing power plants and the T&D infrastructure, reductions in non-technical losses and enhancing investment attractiveness (for both thermal and renewable) are some key measures likely to facilitate improved and affordable electricity supply and mitigate the current and forecasted long-term electricity supply–demand gap. Specific recommendations are presented towards overcoming identified challenges and obstacles to the harnessing of the country's abundant renewable energy resources, especially for wind power generation.