In response to the devastation caused by the 2022 floods in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UNDP, with support from development partners, has worked towards catalyzing recovery in the affected regions.

Pakistan's energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, with approximately 63 percent of energy generated from them during the FY 2022-23, making the country particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The country's energy sector faces a severe and immediate threat from climate change, with extreme weather events, fluctuating temperatures, and shifts in precipitation patterns disrupting traditional energy supply chains. This susceptibility leads to supply disruptions, price fluctuations, and increased operational costs, affecting not only the power sector but also the entire economy. To address these challenges and align with global climate objectives, transitioning towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient power sector is crucial.

Pakistan's heavy dependence on fossil fuels, notably coal and natural gas, has led to a substantial carbon footprint. To reduce the vulnerability of Pakistan's power sector, it is essential to transition to a diverse array of resilient energy sources, including renewable energy and distributed generation. This shift towards renewable energy and green technologies within the power sector is pivotal for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and adhering to international obligations like the Paris Agreement. Embracing renewable energy diminishes reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing susceptibility to supply disruptions and price fluctuations, and bolstering energy security. Additionally, distributed generation enhances local resilience and minimizes transmission losses.

The floods of 2022 inflicted significant damage on Pakistan's power sector, impacting both generation and distribution capacities of the country's power infrastructure. The Post Disaster Needs Assessment, a comprehensive assessment supported by the UN, EU, and the Asian Development Bank, and facilitated by UNDP and the World Bank, assessed the damages at PKR 17.4 billion (USD 81 million). However, the human impact is greatly magnified due to the critical need for clean and accessible energy, especially in the aftermath of major disasters.

These energy sector damages underscore the absence of institutional mechanisms and arrangements for effective risk management and climate resilience aimed at reducing vulnerabilities to the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.

Through its flagship Flood Recovery Programme, following the 2022 floods, UNDP has intensified efforts to integrate renewable energy into the recovery process through various initiatives.

In Pakistan, women constitute a significant portion of energy users and beneficiaries, both in domestic and productive 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 support by development partners including the Government of Japan, delivered a comprehensive assistance package aimed at catalyzing recovery in the affected regions. Alongside community restoration, livelihoods recovery, and health and hygiene interventions, UNDP distributed household-level solar solutions to 2,200 affected households, providing them access to uninterrupted renewable energy.

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

Through its flagship Flood Recovery Programme, following the 2022 floods, UNDP has intensified efforts to integrate renewable energy into the recovery process through various initiatives. One example is the inclusion of household solar kits as part of the support provided to flood-affected individuals. UNDP is exploring the possibility of providing solar solutions as part of its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, which may encompass residences, schools, healthcare facilities, or government offices.

These essential measures aimed at transitioning to renewable energy can serve as a model for promoting environmental sustainability in the recovery and reconstruction process, as well as ensuring long-term viability in Pakistan's energy sector.

By:

Hisashi Izumi
Programme Manager, Flood Recovery Programme, UNDP

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