Renewable Energy Perspectives of Pakistan and Turkey: Current Analysis and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

To a great extent, Pakistan and Turkey rely on imported fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. Pakistan is moving in the right direction, placing focus on renewable energy resources in its current infrastructure in order to address the energy shortage. Several projects (e.g., wind power and solar PV (photovoltaic) technologies) are operational or under development; they are intended to reduce energy challenges in Pakistan. The new government in Pakistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy in total power generation to 30% by 2030. On the other hand, Turkey surpasses Pakistan in renewable energy resources; for example, there are 186 operational wind energy power plants across the country. In addition, Turkey utilizes solar energy—mainly for residential usage. Turkey’s Vision 2023 energy agenda aims to supply 30% of their power demands from modern renewable energy resources. Turkey has implemented solar PV, solar buildings, wind power plants, geothermal energy resources, and biomass technology for heating, cooling and electricity generation. At present, Turkey’s supply to meet energy demands in the country is 56% fossil fuel energy resources and 44% renewable energy, including hydropower. Accessible details reveal that geothermal energy resources have been continuously neglected in Pakistan by the Ministry of Energy (power division); this is in contrast to the Turkish case, in which utilization of geothermal energy resources for heating and cooling purposes is efficient. With all the facts and figures under consideration, in this paper, comparative analyses are performed which reveal that the production of electricity from geothermal energy technologies is lower than the massive potential in both countries. Recommendations are made for important policies to promote renewable energy technologies, which could effectively support energy decentralization by providing electricity to rural areas and the national grid.

The important contribution of renewable energy technologies in overcoming Pakistan's energy crisis: Present challenges and potential opportunities

“…Even in today's contemporary world, developed and developing nations consume conventional fuels for energy, transportation and industrial sectors, which are the biggest drivers of global climate change. 19,143 According to World Health Organization (WHO), carbon footprint and air pollution are the two most significant contributors to worldwide health concerns. Air pollution and carbon footprints have a negative impact on health and the number of fatalities caused by excessive temperatures, storms and catastrophic events.…”

“…The fundamental purpose of this policy is to improve energy security, financial advantages, preservation of natural resources, long-term development and economic equality by employing locally accessible resources, which will be strengthened under the National Energy Act of 2019. 19,22 Aside from large-scale renewable projects, small sustainable energy projects for lighting, pumping systems and power generation, are also promoted.…”

Renewable Energy in the Sustainable Development of Electrical Power Sector: A Review

“…In developing countries, the main focus should be on job creation and financial development, focusing on environmental impacts, shifting consumer attention to renewable energy for society, and improving smart belt systems effectively and efficiently. Renewable energy sources are the best option to minimize pollution, and increase the economy, energy security, employment opportunities, and poverty by reducing the dependence of poor people on natural resources [150,151].…”

Assessing public perception and willingness to pay for renewable energy in Pakistan through the theory of planned behavior

“…According to Rosso-Cerón and Kafarov (2015), social acceptance defines people's positive and negative attitudes toward various green energy resources and technologies. In Pakistan, various studies have been conducted on renewable energy sources and renewable energy technologies (Bhutto et al, 2011;Bhutto et al, 2013;Kamran, 2018;Zafar et al, 2018;Ali et al, 2019;Kashif et al, 2020;Bhutto et al, 2021;Uddin et al, 2021), but no study has been reported on public perception about RE sources, technology, and WTP.…”