Integration of Renewable Energy in Flood Recovery

In response to the devastation caused by the 2022 floods in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UNDP, with the support of development partners, took action to accelerate recovery in the affected regions.

Pakistan’s energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, which accounted for about 63 percent of its energy in fiscal year 2022-23, making it particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The country’s energy sector faces a serious and immediate threat from climate change, with extreme weather events, temperature fluctuations, and changes in rainfall patterns disrupting traditional energy supply chains. This vulnerability leads to supply disruptions, price volatility, and rising operating costs, affecting not only the energy sector but also the broader economy. To address these challenges and align with global climate goals, a transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient energy sector is essential.

Pakistan’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, especially coal and natural gas, has led to a significant carbon footprint. To reduce the vulnerability of Pakistan’s energy sector, a shift towards diverse and resilient energy sources, including renewable energy and distributed generation, is essential. This shift towards renewable energy and green technologies in the energy sector is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adhering to international commitments such as the Paris Agreement. Adopting renewable energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, thereby reducing vulnerability to supply disruptions and price volatility and strengthening energy security. In addition, distributed generation increases local resilience and minimizes transmission losses.

The 2022 floods caused significant damage to Pakistan’s energy sector, affecting both the generation and distribution capacities of the country’s energy infrastructure. The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, a comprehensive assessment supported by the UN, EU and Asian Development Bank, and facilitated by UNDP and the World Bank, estimated the damage at PKR 17.4 billion (US$81 million). However, the human impact is much greater due to the critical need for clean and affordable energy, especially in the aftermath of major disasters.

Losses in the energy sector demonstrate the lack of institutional mechanisms and arrangements for effective risk management and climate resilience aimed at reducing vulnerability to the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.

Following the 2022 floods, UNDP stepped up efforts to integrate renewable energy into the recovery process through its flagship Flood Recovery Programme.

In Pakistan, women constitute a significant share of energy users and beneficiaries, both in domestic and industrial activities. They are disproportionately affected by the lack of clean and accessible energy, particularly in rural areas.

In response to the devastation caused by floods in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UNDP, with the support of development partners including the Government of Japan, delivered a comprehensive assistance package to accelerate recovery in the affected regions. In addition to community reconstruction, livelihood recovery and health and hygiene interventions, UNDP distributed household-level solar solutions to 2,200 affected households, providing them with access to uninterrupted renewable energy.

The kit, consisting of a solar panel, battery, fan and light bulbs, provides lighting and cooling to affected households, many of which are not connected to the national grid. This provision of cooling and lighting is essential for the well-being and productivity of affected households.

Through its flagship Flood Recovery Programme, following the 2022 floods, UNDP has stepped up efforts to integrate renewable energy into the recovery process through various initiatives. One example is the inclusion of home solar kits as part of the support provided to flood-affected people. UNDP is exploring the possibility of providing solar solutions as part of its recovery and rehabilitation activities, which could include homes, schools, health facilities or government offices.

These important measures to transition to renewable energy can serve as a model for promoting environmental sustainability in the recovery and reconstruction process, and ensure the long-term viability of Pakistan’s energy sector.

By:

Hisashi Izumi
Programme Manager, Flood Recovery Programme, UNDP

Shiraz Ali Shah
National Programme Coordinator, Flood Recovery Programme, UNDP