Publication Category: Project Briefs

The policy brief intends to assess the uptake of utility-scale renewable energy (RE) transition in Pakistan in light of the already available RE policies namely “Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation 2006 (RE policy 2006)” and “Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy 2019 (ARE Policy 2019)”. The ARE Policy 2019 is an extension of RE Policy 2006 and sets the target for RE uptake in the national energy mix of at least 20% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. However, the progress is far behind the set targets with the share of current non-hydro RE standing at only 6% of the total installed capacity. This policy brief, therefore, also intends to identify the barriers that restrict the deployment of RE in Pakistan despite the presence of these policies

In this brief, we first provide the current status of utility-scale RE deployment in the country. We then provide details of existing RE policies and their mandates.  The discussion further evolves into impediments facing the RE uptake. We conclude by presenting some recommendations in the form of viable strategies for capturing opportunities for RE uptake and removal of all forms of barriers.

Read the complete policy brief here.

Our latest project brief is based on the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of wind power development in the Gharo-Jhimpir Wind Corridor. It discusses any areas of improvement needed in terms of community engagement and development by studying the wind power project in the wind corridor. Read the complete project brief on the link below.

This project brief, titled ‘Coal Power Projects: Poisoning Water in Thar’, focuses on the reckless ways the coal power companies have been discharging wastewater and toxic impacts of coal power projects on the precarious water resources of Thar region in Sindh province of Pakistan. It covers the drinking water crisis, biodiversity losses and livelihood disruptions caused by de-watering of coal mines and dumping of effluent water discharged in mining and power generation processes.

The complete project brief can be accessed on the link below.

This project brief covers details of a recent incident from Thar where a mining company worker was beaten to death at Thar Coalfield Block II. Dodo Bheel, a resident of Thar, was accused of stealing scrap from the complex along with his co-workers, and upon denying the accusation he was illegally kept and tortured in a private cell for 10 days by the security guards, leading to his death on June 30^th 2021.

The incident resulted in protests, and demanded justice from the government authorities.  Government in addition to initiating judicial inquiry, has announced compensation packages for the aggrieved families. However, the incident reveals day-to-day atrocities faced by local labor in Thar at the hands of coal companies. The difficulties involve not being able to take leave, receiving late payments for their hard work, their health and safety compromised, being bullied by security guards, getting only non-management tier jobs, and strict restrictions on their movement at and around the coalfield.

Furthermore, there is no mechanism in place to address workers’ grievances, and no check and balance for misuse of power. In the absence of any management reforms by the coal companies and impartiality towards Thari workers , incidents of the nature of Dodo Bheel’s death are bound to repeat. As China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a project of national strategic importance and development of Thar is vital for Pakistan’s economic boost, efforts should be in place to create an amiable relationship with people of Thar. Tharis have given up their ancestral lands and their traditional sources of livelihoods for Pakistan’s progress and for an opportunity of upward mobility, at least they should be insured progress for Tharis — an access to better health, educational and employment opportunities.

Read the complete project brief on the link below.

Most of the information provided in this project brief on Thar Coalfield Block-I (TCB-I) is based on the interviews, meetings held with the representatives of the communities, civil society organizations (CSOs) and local media persons during my field visit to Thar in October 2019. Apart from these primary sources, some secondary sources like news clippings, web-links and the reports available online have also been used in its development.