Karachi, January 20, 2025 – Pakistan’s power generation declined by 3.4% during the first half (July–December) of the fiscal year 2024-25, highlighting challenges in the energy sector.
Total power generation during this period fell to 66,641 GWh (15,091 MW) from 68,982 GWh (15,621 MW) recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year.
In December 2024, however, power generation rose by 1.0% year-on-year (YoY) to 7,800 GWh (10,484 MW) compared to 7,726 GWh (10,385 MW) in December 2023. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, power generation decreased by 2.9%, reflecting seasonal trends.
Analysts at Arif Habib Limited noted that actual power generation in December 2024 was 1.6% lower than the reference generation. This shortfall is expected to positively influence the upcoming Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA).
Key Developments in Power Generation Sources
1. Nuclear Power Generation: Nuclear-based power generation surged by 41.1% YoY, showcasing significant growth. However, it fell short of the reference generation for December by 8.9%.
2. Hydropower Generation: Hydel power generation dropped by 4.4% YoY to 1,778 GWh from 1,859 GWh but managed to surpass the reference generation by 7.3%.
3. RLNG-Based Generation: Power generation from re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) increased by 27.4% YoY but remained 3.9% below the reference benchmark.
4. Gas-Based Generation: Gas-based power generation rose by 16.2% YoY, exceeding the reference generation by 4.0%.
5. Coal-Based Generation: Imported coal-based power generation plummeted by 67.7% YoY and was 44.6% below the reference level. Similarly, local coal-based generation declined by 40.2% YoY to 784 GWh, remaining 1.3% lower than the reference generation.
6. Renewable Energy Sources:
o Solar Power: Solar-based generation grew by 22.6% YoY, increasing to 76 GWh from 62 GWh, although it remained 1.3% below the reference level.
o Wind Power: Wind-based power generation showed a remarkable 74.7% YoY increase, rising to 262 GWh from 150 GWh. This figure was 42.4% higher than the reference generation.
Despite some bright spots, the overall decline in power generation during 1HFY25 underscores the need for diversified energy solutions and policy interventions to stabilize the sector.