Harnessing Solar and Hydropower in Pakistan: A Strategic Approach to Climate Change Mitigation

Authors

  • Medani P. Bhandari Prof. Bhandari is Editor in Chief of Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment
  • M. Zubair Rathore Bachelor of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Sadaf Zahoor Bachelor of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/spee1048-5236.43414

Keywords:

Climate change, renewable energy, solar and hydropower, swot analysis

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a thorough examination of Pakistan’s energy sector, with a specific focus on renewable energy (RE) and nonrenewable energy (non-RE) sources. It intends to delve into the potential of solar and hydropower resources within Pakistan and their capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change, thus centering the discussion on RE, particularly solar and hydropower. Adopting secondary data sources, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Pakistan’s energy sector and the challenges that it faces.

One of the key findings highlighted in the analysis is the serious problem within Pakistan’s energy sector: existing institutions struggle to cope with the increasing demand for energy owing to insufficient growth in power generation capacity. This inadequacy has led to an increase in CO2

emissions, primarily driven by the country’s growing reliance on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. Despite this challenge, Pakistan possesses substantial potential for Resources, particularly solar energy and hydropower.

Following an evaluation of renewable energy resources, this study proposes recommendations to support the adoption and utilization of renewable energy as a critical component of sustainable growth. These suggestions are geared toward accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, thus positioning Pakistan for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

This research paper underscores the urgency of addressing the shortcomings in Pakistan’s energy sector and emphasizes the pivotal role of renewable energy, especially solar and hydropower, in mitigating climate change and fostering sustainable development. By leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and implementing strategic measures, Pakistan can chart a path toward a more environmentally friendly and economically viable energy landscape.

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Author Biographies

Medani P. Bhandari, Prof. Bhandari is Editor in Chief of Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment

Medani P. Bhandari is a widely recognized humanitarian, professor, author, and editor who has significantly contributed to social and environmental sciences. With expertise in social equity, inequality, inclusion, innovation, feminism, sustainability, climate change, and social and environmental policies and management, Dr. Bhandari has dedicated his career to these important areas. In addition to his extensive scholarly work, Dr. Bhandari is a poet, essayist, and advocate for the environment and social causes. His expertise expands to global and international environmental politics and justice, climate change, sustainable development, public/social policy, the non-profit sector, renewable energy, nature, culture, and power. He has gained field experience across diverse regions, including Asia, Africa, North America, Western Europe, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East. Dr. Bhandari has authored and co-edited several books, including Green Web-II: Standards and Perspectives from the IUCN, 2nd Edition, Getting the Climate Science Facts Right: The Role of the IPCC, Reducing Inequalities Towards Sustainable Development Goals: Multilevel Approach, Educational Transformation, Economic Inequality – Trends, Traps, and Trade-offs, Social Inequality as a Global Challenge, The Unbeatable Challenges of Inequality, Perspectives on Sociological Theories, Methodological Debates, and Organizational Sociology, The Past, Present, and Future Directions of Migration/Immigration, Theories, and Practices of Global Journeys, Transforming Futures – Navigating Society, Environment, and Governance, Live and Let Others Live – In Reference to Sustainability and Environment Conservation, Navigating Sustainability: A Comparative Analysis of Micro vs. Macro Strategies in the least Developed Countries, The Nexus of Climate Change and Land-use – Global Scenario with Reference to Nepal, Women and Society etc.. Social Inequality – Past, Present, and Future (in which 15 African Countries’ case studies are included), etc. Furthermore, Dr. Bhandari’s creative writing encompasses a vast collection of poems and essays. He has published three volumes of poetry in collaboration with Prajita Bhandari. Dr. Bhandari’s multifaceted contributions to academia, humanitarianism, and creative writing have solidified his reputation as an esteemed figure in social and environmental sciences, profoundly impacting social equity, sustainability, climate change, and beyond. Professor Bhandari holds five master’s degrees in social and environmental sciences and a PhD in sociology. For 45 years, he has been actively involved in environmental conservation and humanitarian efforts through nonprofit and academic platforms. Guided by the philosophy that all living and non-living beings are interconnected (“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”) and the principle of “Live and Let Others Live,” his work reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. He serves as an International Program Director at the New York-based NGO Atlantic State Legal Foundation in Syracuse, NY; a professor at Akamai University, USA, and Sumy State University, Ukraine; and an advisor to Gandaki University, Nepal. He is also the UNEP Civil Society Regional Facilitator for North America and the Lead Author of UNEP GEO 7. https://www.amazon.com/Books-Medani-P-Bhandari/s?rh=n\%3A283155\%2Cp_27\%3AMedani+P.+Bhandari https://novapublishers.com/?s=medani+bhandari&post_type=product (books link) https://english.dcnepal.com/category/opinion/ (opinions) https://www.linkedin.com/in/medani-bhandari-ph-d-8611a018/

M. Zubair Rathore, Bachelor of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan

M. Zubair Rathore Graduate of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Zubair Rathore has been actively engaged in research on renewable energy, focusing on climate change mitigation in Pakistan through solar and hydropower. His previous research includes E-waste in Pakistan and Environmental violation and market nexus in Pakistan.

Sadaf Zahoor, Bachelor of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Sadaf Zahoor As a final year student at Fatima Jinnah Women’s University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sadaf Zahoor is deeply involved in researching renewable energy, particularly solar and hydropower, to combat climate change in Pakistan. She has also interned at environmental organizations and contributed to university projects on sustainability and energy conservation.

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Published

2024-10-30

How to Cite

Bhandari, M. P. ., Rathore, M. Z. ., & Zahoor, S. . (2024). Harnessing Solar and Hydropower in Pakistan: A Strategic Approach to Climate Change Mitigation. Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment, 43(04), 1149–1194. https://doi.org/10.13052/spee1048-5236.43414

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2024: Vol 43 Iss 4

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Articles