Pakistan Seeks Chinese Investment in Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy
Pakistan is reaching out to Chinese companies to help boost its renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind power, in an effort to reduce reliance on costly fuel imports. The country's ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, extended this invitation at a seminar in Fuzhou, China, titled "High-Quality Development of Offshore Wind Power Supply Chain." Pakistan is facing a significant energy crisis, driven by a gap between electricity demand and supply, which is exacerbated by the high cost of energy imports, leading to inflation and resource depletion.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) 2022 report, Pakistan's total installed power generation capacity stands at 43,775 MW, but the majority—59 percent—is still sourced from thermal (fossil fuel) power plants. Renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and biomass, contribute just 7 percent, which highlights the need for diversification in energy resources. Pakistan has a natural advantage, with over 1,000 kilometers of coastline, making it an ideal location for offshore wind energy production. The Pakistani ambassador emphasized that strengthening bilateral ties through technology exchange and infrastructure development could benefit both nations.
This collaboration is further supported by recent meetings between Pakistani and Chinese energy officials, which focused on enhancing cross-border energy cooperation. Pakistan aims to modernize its energy infrastructure, which includes improving power dispatch and reducing transmission losses. These efforts come at a time when the country is urgently seeking solutions to its ongoing energy shortage, and Chinese investment in renewable energy could play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.