Energy crisis a major obstacle to Pakistan’s economic growth, industrialisation
Energy crisis a major obstacle to Pakistan’s economic growth, industrialisation The Nation
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Pakistan’s Energy Crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Pakistan’s energy crisis has indeed been a significant obstacle to its economic growth and industrialization. To address this issue and promote economic development, it is crucial for the government to craft robust and comprehensive short, medium, and long-term energy strategies.
The Impact of Energy Deficit on Pakistan
Dr Afia Malik, an energy expert and senior research economist at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economic (PIDE), emphasizes the need to tackle Pakistan’s energy deficit. This deficit has led to power shortages, hindered industrial growth, and affected the quality of life for its citizens. Furthermore, Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including extreme weather events and water scarcity, which have disrupted energy generation and supply.
Reducing Reliance on Imported Fuels
Dr Malik suggests that Pakistan should reduce its increasing reliance on imported fuels. She recommends switching towards indigenous energy sources, such as fully exploiting the considerable hydropower potential and expediting the development of local coal reserves. By doing so, Pakistan can hedge against vulnerability and achieve a more sustainable energy sector.
The Importance of Integrated Energy Planning (IEP)
Dr Malik highlights the significance of the integrated energy planning (IEP) project under the Planning Commission, aligned with Vision 2025. IEP involves the coordinated development of policies and strategies that encompass various aspects of the energy sector, from generation and distribution to consumption and sustainability. It aims to create a sustainable, cost-efficient energy sector that meets the country’s strategic and socio-economic needs.
Challenges in Implementing IEP
Dr Malik acknowledges the challenges in implementing IEP projects in Pakistan. Bureaucratic hurdles, lack of coordination among government agencies, and financial constraints have hindered the translation of policies into concrete actions. To fully realize the potential benefits of IEP, Pakistan must overcome these implementation barriers through effective governance, improved project management, and continued commitment to its energy objectives.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Jehanzeb Khan, emphasizes the importance of aligning Pakistan’s energy planning with SDG 7 – affordable and clean energy. He calls for a reevaluation of Pakistan’s approach to energy planning, considering the affordability and sustainability of fuels used in households.
The Role of LEAP Model in Achieving Sustainable Development
Caretaker Minister Sami Saeed highlights the outcomes of the Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) model developed by the IEP. This model helps achieve high industrial growth, an export-led economic base, and savings in foreign exchange reserves. The LEAP model provides a holistic integrated approach to energy demand and supply analysis, considering all components of integrated balances used in computing long-term energy prices under various scenarios.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses Pakistan’s energy crisis and its impact on economic growth and industrialization. It also mentions the country’s vulnerability to climate change impacts. These issues are directly connected to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article also highlights the need for energy strategies to promote economic development, which aligns with SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Furthermore, the mention of climate change impacts relates to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article emphasizes the need for Pakistan to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and switch towards indigenous energy sources. This aligns with SDG 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Additionally, the mention of integrated energy planning (IEP) as a significant step towards addressing energy challenges relates to SDG 9.1, which focuses on developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. The article also highlights the importance of considering climate change impacts in energy planning, which aligns with SDG 13.2 on integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s energy mix
- Progress in the development of local coal reserves
- Implementation of integrated energy planning (IEP) projects
- Reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and improved coordination among government agencies
- Increased affordability and sustainability of fuels used in Pakistani households
- Outcomes of the Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) model
The article mentions the need for Pakistan to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and fully exploit its hydropower potential and local coal reserves. These indicate potential indicators related to the share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s energy mix and the progress in the development of local coal reserves. The article also discusses challenges in implementing integrated energy planning (IEP) projects, suggesting an indicator for monitoring the implementation of such projects. Additionally, it mentions the need to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and improve coordination among government agencies, indicating indicators related to reducing these barriers. The affordability and sustainability of fuels used in Pakistani households are also mentioned, implying an indicator for monitoring improvements in these aspects. Lastly, the article highlights the outcomes of the Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) model, which can serve as an indicator for assessing progress towards achieving high industrial growth, export-led economic base, and saving foreign exchange reserves.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (7.2) | Share of renewable energy in Pakistan’s energy mix |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure (9.1) | Progress in the development of local coal reserves |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (13.2) | Implementation of integrated energy planning (IEP) projects |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | – | Reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and improved coordination among government agencies |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | – | Increased affordability and sustainability of fuels used in Pakistani households |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | – | Outcomes of the Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) model |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nation.com.pk
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