Islamabad: The government foresees a significant uptick in renewable energy, reaching 46% over the next decade. This expansion necessitates a jump in generation capacity from 42,000MW to 57,000MW, with an estimated investment of $72 billion. The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) outlines in its Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP 2024-34) submitted to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) that electricity demand could surge by 46%, 59%, or 74% over the coming decade across various growth scenarios. This growth projection would require an investment ranging from $62-64 billion.
Furthermore, the Transmission System Expansion Plan (TSEP 2024-34) indicates a need for an additional $8.7 billion to enhance the transmission network, covering ongoing and new projects. The plan to expand generation capacity to 57,000MW by 2034 is rooted in a comprehensive analysis using advanced software like PLEXOS, factoring in existing policies, contractual obligations, and forecasts. The report underscores a shift towards renewables and indigenous sources, reducing dependence on imported fuels and emphasizing renewable energy’s significant role in the energy mix.
