Pakistan aims to generate 95 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2040 as part of a long-term strategy to transform the country into a clean energy economy.

According to an official energy transition document, Pakistan is targeting a 60 percent clean energy share by 2030 and plans to increase renewable electricity generation to 50 percent by 2035.

The strategy also includes phasing out or converting around 14,000 megawatts of fossil fuel-based power plants by 2035.

Officials said the plan focuses on expanding the use of indigenous renewable resources including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy to reduce dependence on imported fuels and strengthen energy security.

The roadmap further aims to reduce transmission and distribution losses from 19 percent to 8 percent while ensuring 100 percent electricity access across the country.

Under the strategy, rooftop solar systems are planned for all government secondary schools by 2035, alongside investments in green technology sectors such as solar, wind, and hydrogen to support employment and skill development.

The document noted that although Pakistan contributes only around 1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, reliance on imported fossil fuels continues to pressure foreign exchange reserves and increase electricity generation costs.

Officials also highlighted that the country’s power sector circular debt has crossed Rs. 1.66 trillion due to rising fuel costs, currency fluctuations, and payments for underutilized power capacity.

The strategy emphasizes the need for large-scale renewable energy projects, energy storage systems, and grid modernization to support the transition and improve system reliability.

According to the report, Pakistan imported nearly 17 gigawatts of solar power systems in 2024, making it the world’s third-largest importer of solar panels due to rising electricity prices and declining solar panel costs.