ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts in the world. In Pakistan, fossil fuels are the major source of greenhouse gas emissions, WealthPK reported.
A changing climate impacts agriculture productivity, water availability, weather patterns, extinct species, and the frequency of extreme climatic events. Transport and energy sectors are the major users of furnace oil. In contrast, the brick kiln industry is the largest consumer of coal.
Currently, Pakistan heavily relies on imported fuels to produce energy, which is not only a big grain on its foreign exchange, but also a greater source of environmental pollution.
According to the oil companies’ advisory council (OCAC), around 76% of oil was purchased by the transport sector during the eight months of FY 2021-22.
Moreover, around 15% of oil was consumed by the energy sector. Pakistan aims to uplift its renewable energy contribution gradually. Pakistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy in total power generation to 30% by 2030, referring to power from wind, solar, small hydro, and biomass. In addition, there is a target of 30% large-scale hydropower (more than 50MW). Currently, the share of renewable energy stands at a meager 4% which is quite negligible despite the fact that the country holds huge renewable energy potential, particularly in wind and solar.
The government targets to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, largely with the help of foreign funding. The government’s launch of the Electric Vehicle Policy 2020-25 was a step in this direction to tackle the issue of climate change. Under the policy, the government aims to shift 30% of vehicles to electricity by 2030.
The Electric Vehicle Policy extends incentives to both investors and consumers.
The investors have been given different tax benefits in the form of 1% customs duty and 0% taxes (sales tax, income tax) on the import of equipment and machinery for the production of electric vehicles. As far as consumers are concerned, the owner of an electric vehicle will have to pay only 50% of the total toll tax.
To mitigate the effects of climate change, the government has also taken some mega initiatives in forestry sector like the launching of the Billion Tree Tsunami Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province followed by the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project across the country.
For realizing the full potential of green energy sources, the government should evolve comprehensive programs for the development of the renewable energy industry and markets based on research and development, supportive infrastructure, financing mechanisms, and the use of market-based instruments such as renewable portfolio standards, green pricing, feed-in tariffs, net metering, and tradable renewable energy certificates.
The government should also promote the use of greener sources of energy in the countryside by ensuring the provision of inputs to people to install biogas and solar-powered units. There is a need to launch environmental awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The domestic sector is the largest consumer of electricity in Pakistan that consumes almost 46.2% of total electricity. The government could give subsidies and loans to purchase solar panels at the domestic level.
The government should also develop a national energy research program. Ample funding should be provided for research and development to prepare home-based, energy-efficient solar energy equipment. Research activities should be carried out by university students and research organizations to develop modern and cost-effective solar energy devices for residents and commercial users.
INP
