Description of impact
Universal access to clean energy in Pakistan remains a critical challenge under centralised governance, limited share of renewables and techno-economic limitations of grid expansion. About 56 million people in Pakistan (~26% of the population) still lack access to electricity [1]. Tackling this challenge requires innovative energy system solutions that meet sustainability targets in line with COP26. The project addresses this gap through a techno-economic and social feasibility study of off-grid microgeneration in the remote village of Helario, Tharparkar. The site lacks a grid connection and community residents currently rely on fuelwood, dung, kerosene oil, etc. for their daily needs. The study location (24°42′ N, 69°39′ E) is ideal for solar energy utilization with solar irradiance of 4.5-5.0 kWh/m2 and 2300-2700 sunshine hours/year. The study will use a mixed-methods approach to 1) conduct a baseline assessment of available energy resources and electricity demands, specifically women’s energy needs; 2) design an off-grid solar PV system to meet projected demand, and 3) provide design guidelines with policy implications for decentralised off-grid rural electrification.Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the project collaborators’ diverse expertise, the project aims to contribute to Pakistan’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) 2030 by focusing on the intersections between SDG11 (Sustainable communities), SDG7 (clean energy access) and SDG5 (gender equality) for improved energy sustainability, affordability, and equity.
| Impact status | Open |
|---|---|
| Impact date | Mar 2021 → Mar 2022 |
| Category of impact | Economic Impacts, Quality of life Impacts, Social Impacts |
| Impact level | Benefit |