With the world on the brink of economic and ecological meltdown, it is vital to look at the role which sustainable technological advances and practices can play in today’s financial and environmental sectors. Like its neighbouring developing countries Bangladesh and India, Pakistan has also become an energy deficient country. Over the past few decades, Pakistan’s electricity generation has become largely dependent on petroleum fuels. However, the country faces a 4500 MW gap between electricity demand and supply, registering a shortfall of 43 per cent. The ever rising costs, negative ecological impacts, not to mention rapid depletion of petroleum resources, are now posing serious threats for development. Hence, the need to find alterative renewable energy sources has become all the more urgent.
Of the 40 GW hydropower potential in Pakistan, only 5.01 GW is being used. With respect to solar energy, Pakistan has an annual global irradiance value of 1900–2200 kWh/m². Although biomass serves as an energy fuel in the rural areas, it is yet to be explored on the commercial level. In addition to solar energy, Pakistan also needs to tap into wind energy as a source (Asif 2008).
This paper examines factors such as demand and supply of energy, rapidly declining local oil and gas resources, ever rising cost of energy and security issues that form the crux of Pakistan’s energy crisis. Based on secondary data and in-depth interviews, solar, hydro and wind energy, and biomass as viable energy options are explored.  The advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen energy are discussed and it is concluded that fuel cells and a hydrogen infrastructure can together pave a sustainable energy future for the country. Despite significant challenges, a hydrogen economy can offer great benefits for Pakistan.
References:
Asif M. 2008, ‘Sustainable energy options for Pakistan,’ Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.

[1]This paper is an extended version of “The Face of Renewable Energy in Pakistan” presented at the International Conference on Innovation and Sustainability Transitions in Asia which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (9-11 January 2011). Available online at: http://umconference.um.edu.my/upload/163-1/Paper%20110.pdf