Often regarded as Pakistan’s most underdeveloped province, Balochistan has the
potential to take the lead in the country’s clean energy transition. According to the World Bank’s
report titled “Balochistan Renewable Energy Development Study,” if harnessed effectively, the
province’s natural wind and solar resources could provide a sustainable and environmentally
friendly solution to Pakistan’s chronic energy crisis.
Wind speeds in Balochistan’s western districts, particularly Chagai and Panjgur have
been recorded at up to 10 meters per second, meeting international standards for commercial
wind energy generation. Additionally, the province boasts exceptional solar potential, receiving
an average of 2,500 kilowatt-hours per square meter per year, comparable to some of the world’s
top solar zones.
According to energy expert Dr. Tariq Butt, the wind corridor spanning Chagai, Nushki,
and Panjgur is highly suitable for wind power due to its consistent wind speeds and sparse
population. “If we make decisive moves today, Balochistan could become Pakistan’s energy
export hub tomorrow,” he said. “Otherwise, this opportunity will be lost, like many others in the
past.”
He points to the success of the Jhimpir Wind Corridor in Sindh as a replicable model.
“Over 1,200 megawatts of wind power from Jhimpir is currently feeding into the national grid.
Balochistan can not only replicate this but improve upon it, given its vast availability of land,
stable sunshine, and steady wind.”
The shift toward renewable energy in Balochistan is not limited to the public sector or
international organizations. The private sector is also stepping in. Recently, Dyna Pakistan Ltd, a
prominent chemical manufacturing company, announced plans to build a 1.1-megawatt captive
wind power project in the industrial town of Hub, Balochistan.
In a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company stated that the initiative
aligns with its long-term sustainability goals and is contingent upon regulatory approvals and
contracts. The Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) agreement for the project is
reportedly in its final stages.
This development comes as other companies adopt similar strategies, for example, Thatta
Cement Ltd recently completed a 4.8 MW wind project in Sindh. Dyna’s initiative could serve as
a positive precedent for industrial-scale wind power in Balochistan.
Chagai district, already rich in mineral resources, is gaining strategic importance in
energy policy as well. The region hosts mega-mining operations like Reko Diq and Saindak,
which require a steady and affordable power supply. According to the World Bank report, if
these sites rely on traditional Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)-based power, the cost could rise to $0.26 per
unit, with 1.3 million tons of annual carbon emissions.
However, using renewable sources like wind and solar could reduce energy costs by up to
50% and dramatically cut emissions.
In its Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for 2025–26, the Balochistan
government has included a project titled “Feasibility Study for Solar and Wind Hybrid Power
Solutions for the Mining Sector, Chagai.” The total project cost is estimated at PKR 50 million,
with PKR 10 million allocated for the fiscal year 2025–26.
An intriguing proposal in the World Bank report envisions turning Gwadar into an export
hub for green hydrogen. Under this plan, 1 gigawatt of solar and 750 megawatts of wind capacity
would be installed in Chagai or Panjgur, with electricity transmitted 500 kilometers to Gwadar.
There, it would be converted into 148,000 tons of hydrogen and 494,000 tons of ammonia
annually. The estimated investment for this project is around $4 billion USD.
Balochistan already has infrastructure in place to transmit 2.35 gigawatts of electricity to
other provinces. If solar and wind projects are executed and connected to the grid on time, up to
1.78 gigawatts could be supplied during daylight hours alone. According to the World Bank, this
would reduce dependence on hydropower and save up to $1 billion annually in electricity costs.
Balochistan’s Energy Secretary Daood Khan Bazai confirmed the province’s growing
focus on renewable energy. “In our latest PSDP, we have included over 15 renewable energy
projects,” he said. “These include small-scale home solar systems, grid-connected schemes, and
feasibility studies. Our goal is to meet local demand and contribute to the national grid.”
Balochistan now stands at the threshold of an energy revolution. Experts believe that if
political will, policy continuity, private sector involvement, and infrastructure development
move in unison, the province can not only achieve energy self-sufficiency but also become a
national power export zone.
Dr. Tariq Butt concluded with a word of caution: “If we don’t act today, these resources
may either be wasted or exploited by others. Balochistan is not just a province — it is Pakistan’s
gateway to clean energy. We must open that gate before it’s too late.”
