Pakistan Partnership

The Government of Pakistan has a goal to shift to 30% electric vehicles by 2030 and 90% by 2040. To support this goal, USAID and NREL are providing assistance to study the impact of electric vehicles on the distribution system. By studying the impact of EV chargers on the system, mitigation strategies can be proposed along with optimal locations of EV chargers to help an already overwhelmed electrical distribution system. These efforts will lead to improved grid reliability and a more engaged adoption process of electric vehicles.

Effectiveness of Electric Vehicle Policies and Implications for Pakistan, NREL Technical Report (2022)

Pakistan EV Charging Station Business Plan Workshop, YouTube Video

Pakistan Distribution Companies Electric Vehicle Preparation Workshop, YouTube Video

Standards Guidance for Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers and Charging Infrastructure in Pakistan, NREL Technical Report (2024)

NREL researchers are providing technical assistance to the National Transmission and Dispatch Company and National Power Control Center. This support includes providing forecasting, stakeholder engagement, designing scenarios, and introducing dispatch modeling. In addition, NREL is providing expanded support to improve long range integrated resource planning best practices and use of long-term expansion models to support the continued improvement of the Pakistan energy system.

USAID and NREL presented to Pakistan's National Electric Power Regulatory Authority on the creation of a market monitor to oversee Pakistan's Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market. The proposal includes support from NREL and other U.S. Department of Energy national labs to assist the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority with issues regarding the reform of Pakistan's wholesale electricity market and changes to the country's grid code. A market monitoring system will help the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority create an oversight body of competitive wholesale electricity markets.

NREL is supporting the Government of Pakistan to expand the use of renewable energy and help early deployment and adoption of renewable energy systems. Pakistan has set a goal of 30% electricity from renewable sources by 2030. NREL will work with stakeholders from the Alternative Energy Development board to support the development of regulatory framework for off-grid energy systems. Regulatory documents leading to a new mini grid licensing process by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority have been developed. In addition, NREL helped to create a standard operating procedure for the new regulatory framework, including data reporting and identifying key performance indicators for microgrid power systems.

USAID and NREL are providing technical assistance to the Energy Planning and Resource Centre under the Pakistan Ministry of Planning, Energy Wing to implement integrated energy planning. NREL will conduct multisector energy forecasts and provide guidance to specific forecasting methodologies and best practices by establishing clear processes for Pakistan to replicate forecasts annually.

As part of the Asian Development Bank's initiative to empower women in Pakistan, USAID and NREL are supporting this effort by developing webinars, workshops, and trainings for women in the energy sector of Pakistan. Women enrolled in academic programs are provided with opportunities for engineering and technical trainings, internships, and professional development opportunities to potentially lead to career paths in the energy sector. USAID and NREL are eliminating barriers for women in the energy sector to better integrate gender equality and enhance women's empowerment in Pakistan.

Pakistan joined the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. NREL is supporting Pakistan in this pledge by establishing a 2020 methane emissions baseline to compare with 2030 data. This work includes assisting the Ministry of Climate to update methane emissions data and support the development of a methane reduction roadmap. In addition, the lab will also help to design strategies and actions to reduce emissions to reach its goal. Part of these efforts include developing case studies on high value potential emission reduction opportunities focused in the power sector, and creating methane webinars and capacity building sessions.