Tauseef H. Farooqi, Chairman of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, stated that energy projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have enhanced Pakistan’s electricity industry and aided in economic growth by boosting power supply while lowering costs and achieving high levels of efficiency.
The entire installed capacity of the CPEC energy projects, which includes coal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric electricity, is 6,570 megawatts, according to Farooqui. In the fiscal years 2020–21 and 2021–22, they produced 28,549 GWh and 25,772 GWh of energy, respectively, making up 22.03% and 18.37% of Pakistan’s overall power generation.
The national grid has experienced an average 20% yearly expansion, which has reduced load shedding on a massive scale and in particular fueled export-oriented sectors. The majority of Pakistan’s energy needs are met by imported fuel (oil and liquefied natural gas – LNG).
In an interview with China Economic Net, the Nepra chairman emphasized that “CPEC energy projects replaced the more expensive energy production from furnace oil and diesel to coal and renewable energy resources in the last five years, driving growth in the export-oriented industries.”
