Pakistan sets 60pc renewable energy target by 2030

ABU DHABI: Pakistan has set a bold target to achieve 60 percent renewable energy in its power mix by 2030, as the country continues its rapid transition to cleaner, sustainable energy sources.

This was revealed by Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, during her address at the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi.

Alam emphasised Pakistan’s swift rise as one of the fastest-growing solar markets globally, with 12 GW of off-grid and over 6 GW of net-metered solar capacity expected by the end of 2026. She highlighted that renewable energy accounted for a record 53 percent of the country’s total electricity generation last fiscal year.

Spotlighting Pakistan’s resilience in the face of climate challenges, Alam said that the country’s distributed solar kits have played a pivotal role in restoring power and livelihoods in flood-affected areas, offering a model for climate-resilient recovery that could be replicated across other regions. “Pakistan is not only committed to reducing its carbon footprint but also to creating practical solutions for climate adaptation. The distributed solar model has proven to be a lifeline for communities affected by extreme weather events,” she said.

The 16th IRENA Assembly, attended by over 1,500 delegates from 139 countries, also saw Pakistan being recognised for its progress in energy transition. In her concluding remarks, Alam called on IRENA and international stakeholders to increase concessional financing for developing nations, particularly for green technologies that are essential for achieving global climate goals.