An overview of energy status and development in Pakistan

This paper gives an overview of the energy status of Pakistan. In this paper, I have discussed (a) major aspects of energy sector of Pakistan-its establishment, history and accomplishments, (b) various institutions for energy generation and distribution, (c) total installed and generation capacity, (d) current energy reserves in the country such as coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, as well as the renewable energy resources which include wind energy, biogas, Hydel energy, geothermal energy, solar energy, tidal and wave energy, (e) current energy crisis in the power sector, discussing the key issues leading to the origin, causes and consequences of the problem. The paper also presents; (f) possible solutions to overcome this crisis which is becoming hazardous for the country's economy. The various government, semi-government and private organizations and their efforts to resolve the situation of energy deficit and (g) renewable energy can provide an alternative form of energy, why and how it can provide better replacement of other forms of energy, barriers that halt progress in this area and various renewable energy projects have also been illustrated. The goals, principles and impacts of the National Power Policy-2013 is also mentioned in this paper.