For a country that size, 2GW is tiny and Bitcoin is flexible load, so it makes sense. I don't like it's the government that's doing this. Why not private enterprise but the country appears to be perfect for this:
https://ppq.ai/share/74b79a9e-f6d1-4d27-b6f5-9dc82a7e08dd
Pakistan's electricity market faces significant challenges with chronic power shortages, though the situation has improved in recent years. Let me break down the key aspects:
## Market Overview
Pakistan's electricity sector is characterized by a complex mix of public and private entities. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) regulates the sector, while the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) acts as the sole buyer from power producers. The distribution is handled by several Distribution Companies (DISCOs), mostly state-owned.
## Import/Export Status
Pakistan is primarily an **electricity importer**:
- Imports electricity from Iran (approximately 74-100 MW for Balochistan's Makran Division)
- Has agreements for power imports from Central Asian states, though implementation has been limited
- Minimal to no electricity exports due to domestic supply constraints
## Installed Capacity Breakdown
As of 2023-2024, Pakistan's total installed capacity is approximately **43,775 MW**, distributed as follows:
### Base Load Power Plants
- **Thermal (Coal, Oil, Gas)**: ~25,000 MW (57% of total)
- Natural Gas: ~10,000 MW
- Coal: ~7,500 MW
- Furnace Oil/Diesel: ~7,500 MW
- **Nuclear**: ~3,530 MW (8% of total)
### Flexible/Renewable Power Plants
- **Hydroelectric**: ~10,635 MW (24% of total)
- Major dams: Tarbela, Mangla, Ghazi Barotha
- **Wind**: ~1,838 MW (4% of total)
- **Solar**: ~1,650 MW (4% of total)
- **Bagasse (Biomass)**: ~369 MW (1% of total)
## Renewable Energy Development
Pakistan has shown increasing commitment to renewable energy:
### Current Status
- Renewables (excluding large hydro) constitute about 9% of installed capacity
- The government set a target of 30% renewable energy by 2030
- Major renewable energy corridors established in Sindh (wind) and Punjab (solar)
### Key Developments
- **Wind Power**: Concentrated in Jhimpir and Gharo corridors in Sindh
- **Solar Power**: Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park (1,000 MW when fully operational) is one of the world's largest
- **Policy Support**: Net metering policies, feed-in tariffs, and renewable energy certificates introduced
### Challenges
- Grid integration issues due to intermittent nature of renewables
- Transmission infrastructure limitations
- High upfront costs despite declining technology prices
- Circular debt problem affecting the entire power sector
## Key Issues
The Pakistani electricity market faces several structural challenges:
- **Circular Debt**: Exceeds PKR 2.3 trillion, creating financial stress
- **Transmission Losses**: Technical and theft losses around 18-20%
- **Seasonal Variations**: Heavy reliance on hydropower creates seasonal supply variations
- **Fuel Mix**: Over-dependence on imported fuels increases costs
Despite these challenges, Pakistan continues to add generation capacity and is gradually shifting towards a more sustainable energy mix with increased focus on indigenous coal, renewable energy, and hydroelectric projects.
