Microgrids Highlighted as Key Solution for Balochistan’s Energy Challenges

A recent seminar hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP) focused on the critical role of microgrids in addressing Balochistan’s energy challenges and unlocking its substantial renewable energy potential.

The seminar, titled “Microgrids: Unlocking the Renewable Energy Potential of Balochistan,” brought together experts from the private, public, and development sectors to discuss the obstacles hindering the full-scale deployment of renewable energy in the province. Despite Balochistan’s rich resources in solar and wind energy, the province faces significant barriers due to policy, infrastructure, and technical shortcomings.

Muhammad Awais, Senior Research Associate at IDSP, highlighted that only 56.10% of Balochistan is electrified, with frequent power outages due to limited supply. He emphasized that the lack of grid connectivity and the dispersed population make large-scale renewable energy projects unfeasible, suggesting that microgrids could provide a viable solution, particularly for remote areas.

Feasibility studies conducted by IDSP identified several key locations for microgrid deployment, including Kila Abdullah, Jhal Magsi, Awaran, and Sibbi. These microgrids could play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy access in the province.

Nafees Ahmed Khan of the Pakistan Poverty Foundation (PPF) discussed the success of community-driven solar projects in other regions and stressed the need for a supportive policy and regulatory framework to manage the high costs associated with microgrids in Balochistan. Basit Ghauri from Renewables First (RF) echoed these concerns, advocating for a structured investment framework to attract financing for these projects.

The seminar also addressed the necessity of improving transmission infrastructure and developing bankable feasibility studies to attract both local and international investment. Amina Shahab from Balochistan pointed out that SVDC transmission lines are crucial for energy wheeling with neighboring countries like Afghanistan and Iran and for enabling internal grid energy trading.

Saeed Sarparah highlighted the mining sector’s growing energy demands, noting that the provincial government has issued 11 additional mining leases. He emphasized the importance of developing bankable feasibilities to attract investment and engaging special economic and export production zones to lead energy projects in Balochistan.

Energy expert Shaukat Ali stressed the need for a robust policy framework at the provincial level to support renewable energy and infrastructure development. He noted that donor reluctance to invest in Balochistan is partly due to security concerns, remote project locations, and the low capacity of local organizations. Ali suggested establishing donor coordination platforms to facilitate the realization of energy and renewable projects in the province.

The seminar underscored the urgency of developing a comprehensive strategy to harness Balochistan’s renewable energy resources, with microgrids emerging as a crucial solution to addressing the region’s energy deficit.