Asia Pacific Academy of Science Pte. Ltd. (APACSCI) specializes in international journal publishing. APACSCI adopts the open access publishing model and provides an important communication bridge for academic groups whose interest fields include engineering, technology, medicine, computer, mathematics, agriculture and forestry, and environment.
Strategic management of renewable energy transition in Pakistan: International partnerships and policy implementation under SDGs 7 & 13
Vol 4, Issue 3, 2026
Download PDF
Abstract
The strategic management of the transition to renewable energy sources is an utmost priority for developing nations to combat energy instability and climate change. Global cooperation and SDG–aligned policy execution are increasingly driving this transition in Pakistan. Pakistan’s foreign policy focuses on sustainable energy transition to address environmental problems and the growing energy demand, in line with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This qualitative strategy research examines Pakistan’s renewable energy policies, international collaboration, and the implementation of large-scale projects. Systematic content analysis was used to scrutinize government reports, treaties, policy papers, and multilateral agreements. Theme coding and inclusion criteria highlighted important policy measures, diplomatic efforts, and project outcomes. This research is unique because it weighs the pros and cons of energy projects, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), big hydropower dams, solar and wind parks, and guidelines for electric cars. Debt sustainability, social and environmental effects, governance problems, and grid integration are all important. The study systematically records bilateral and multilateral MoUs, project capacity, financial sources, and operational status to assess Pakistan’s energy diplomacy and strategic standing. The research shows that global partnerships and legislative initiatives have accelerated the adoption of renewable energy; however, institutional barriers and socio-environmental trade-offs persist. The study offers a distinctive perspective on Pakistan’s foreign policy’s influence on its transition to renewable energy, along with pragmatic suggestions to enhance governance, financing, and sustainable energy diplomacy.
Keywords
References
1. Alvi S, Ahmad I, Nawaz SMN, et al. The role of green finance, energy transition, and digitalization in OECD greenhouse gas emissions. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2025; 518: 145865. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145865
2. Akrofi MM, Okitasari M, Kandpal R. Recent trends on the linkages between energy, SDGs and the Paris Agreement: A review of policy-based studies. Discover Sustainability. 2022; 3(1): 32. doi: 10.1007/s43621-022-00100-y
3. Erdoğdu A, Dayi F, Yanik A, et al. Innovative solutions for combating climate change: Advancing sustainable energy and consumption practices for a greener future. Sustainability. 2025; 17(6): 2697. doi: 10.3390/su17062697
4. Yokuş T. Early warning systems for world energy crises. Sustainability. 2024; 16(6): 2284. doi: 10.3390/su16062284
5. Elkhatat A, Al-Muhtaseb S. Climate change and energy security: A comparative analysis of the role of energy policies in advancing environmental sustainability. Energies. 2024; 17(13): 3179. doi: 10.3390/en17133179
6. Rezaee E, Silva SRP. Solar energy in 2025: global deployment, cost trends, and the role of energy storage in enabling a resilient smart energy infrastructure. Energy & Environmental Materials. 2025; 9(3): e70199. doi: 10.1002/eem2.70199
7. Tee WS, Lee HS, Lee C, et al. The impact of the oil price in the energy transition towards renewable energy consumption: Dynamic panel threshold analysis. SN Business & Economics. 2026; 6(2): 59. doi: 10.1007/s43546-025-01050-z
8. Braun M, Grimme W, Oesingmann K. Pathway to net zero: Reviewing sustainable aviation fuels, environmental impacts and pricing. Journal of Air Transport Management. 2024; 117: 102580. doi: 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2024.102580
9. Shahzad S, Faheem M, Muqeet HA, Waseem M. Charting the UK’s path to net zero emissions by 2050: challenges, strategies, and future directions. IET Smart Grid. 2024; 7(6): 716–736. doi: 10.1049/stg2.12185
10. van der Wel K, Akerboom S, Meijer A. A public values perspective on energy justice: Building a theoretical lens for understanding decision-making in the energy transition. Energy Research & Social Science. 2024; 116: 103677. doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2024.103677
11. Fam A, Fam S. Review of the US 2050 long term strategy to reach net zero carbon emissions. Energy Reports. 2024; 12: 845–860. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2024.06.031
12. Zhang LP, Zhou P. Reassessing energy security risk incorporating external shock: A variance-based composite indicator approach. Applied Energy. 2024; 358: 122665. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122665
13. Dutta M. Climate-induced impoverishment: Reviewing the SDG goals through the lens of global justice. In: NDIEAS-2024 International Symposium on New Dimensions and Ideas in Environmental Anthropology-2024 (NDIEAS 2024). Atlantis Press; 2024. pp. 268–281. Doi: 10.2991/978-2-38476-255-2_23
14. Wang J, Azam W. Natural resource scarcity, fossil fuel energy consumption, and total greenhouse gas emissions in top emitting countries. Geoscience Frontiers. 2024; 15(2): 101757. doi: 10.1016/j.gsf.2023.101757
15. Behera B, Behera P, Sethi N. Decoupling the role of renewable energy, green finance and political stability in achieving the sustainable development goal 13: Empirical insight from emerging economies. Sustainable Developmen. 2024; 32(1): 119–137. doi: 10.1002/sd.2657
16. Kar SK, Harichandan S, Prakash O. Factors influencing the adoption of renewable energy in India: Supplementing technology-driven drivers and barriers with sustainable development goals. Journal of Advances in Management Research. 2024; 21(2): 245–266. doi: 10.1108/JAMR-08-2023-0242
17. Stott L, Murphy DF. A principles-based approach for enabling multi-stakeholder collaboration: Addressing the elusive quest for sustainable development partnership standards. Standards. 2025; 5(3): 23. doi: 10.3390/standards5030023
18. Sipayung PD, Murwadji T, Purba H, Sukarja D. Establishment of BUMDes as a strengthening of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in improving village economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimate Journal of Legal Studies. 2024; 2(1): 137–150. doi: 10.32734/uljls.v2i1.16655
19. Ahmad M, Ali A, Hussain H. Spatial data infrastructure for effective information management: A case study of Pakistan. In: Essential Information Systems Service Management. IGI Global; 2025. pp. 251–278.
20. Sharif KJ, Faisal MN. Social construction theory and alternative energy futures for oil and gas sector in an underdeveloped economy. Futures. 2026; 176: 103764. doi: 10.1016/j.futures.2026.103764
21. Jesse BJ, Kramer GJ, Koning V, et al. Stakeholder perspectives on the scale-up of green hydrogen and electrolyzers. Energy Reports. 2024; 11: 208–217. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2023.11.046
22. Muhammad ASI, Onyenweaku EO, Babagana K, et al. Combating malnutrition: Nutrient and energy composition of locally formulated ready-to-use therapeutic foods for children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2025; 22(12): 1845. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22121845
23. Moghani AM, Maleki A. China’s energy diplomacy in the Caspian Basin and its impact on the energy security of Europe. Energy Reports. 2024; 11: 2279–2294. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2024.01.070
24. Chaziza M, Lutmar C. China’s strategic engagement in the Middle East: Energy security, economic integration, and geopolitical influence. Asia Policy. 2025; 20(3): 95–116. doi: 10.1353/asp.2025.a967653
25. Khan T, Emon MH. Exploring the potential of the blue economy: A systematic review of strategies for enhancing international business in Bangladesh in the context of Indo-Pacific region. Review of Business and Economics Studies. 2024; 12(2): 55–73. doi: 10.26794/2308-944X-2024-12-2-55-73
26. Mendes CA. The implications of China’s South–South cooperation diplomacy: consistent or shifting? In: Li Y, Leandro FJBS, Tavares da Silva J, Rodrigues C, eds. The Palgrave Handbook on China-Europe-Africa Relations. Palgrave Macmillan; 2025. doi: 10.1007/978-981-97-5640-7_44
27. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023. Available online: https: //www.irena.org/Digital-Report/World-Energy-Transitions-Outlook-2023 (accessed on 28 November 2025).
28. International Energy Agency (IEA). Financing Clean Energy Transitions in Emerging and Developing Economies. IEA; 2021.
29. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sustainable Energy Revolution. UNDP; 2023.
30. Banning T. The logic of compartmentalization: Germany’s response (2016–2018). In: Germany’s Belt and Road Bargain. Springer VS; 2025. doi: 10.1007/978-3-658-47056-2_7
31. Huda MS. The geopolitics of energy regionalism in Central Asia and South-East Asia. International Affairs. 2025; 101(4): 1279–1299. doi: 10.1093/ia/iiaf072
32. Khan MM, Rasheed A, Tariq MU. Assessing the integration of solar power generation within the CASA-1000 HVDC transnational network. In: 2024 International Conference on IT and Industrial Technologies (ICIT). IEEE; 2024. pp. 1–6.
33. Bensadi A. Assessing the impact of renewable energy integration on energy efficiency within the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). Science Reports. 2024; 14(1): 29374. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-81173-9
34. Khan NS, Kazmi SAA, Anwar M, et al. Enhancing renewable energy integration in developing countries: A policy-oriented analysis of net metering in Pakistan amid economic challenges. Sustainability. 2024; 16(14): 6034. doi: 10.3390/su16146034
35. Moeen MS, Jupesta J, Hanaoka T. Integrated energy planning: Review of global practices for energy security and Paris Agreement implementation in Pakistan. Energy Nexus. 2025; 18: 100413. doi: 10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100413
36. Adnan M, Xiao B, Bibi S, et al. Known and unknown environmental impacts related to climate changes in Pakistan: An under-recognized risk to local communities. Sustainability. 2024; 16(14): 6108. doi: 10.3390/su16146108
37. Masud S, Khan A. Policy implementation barriers in climate change adaptation: The case of Pakistan. Environmental Policy and Governance. 2024; 34(1): 42–52. doi: 10.1002/eet.2054
38. Salim A, Rehman SU, Abdulkawi WM, Ahmed HY. Overcoming barriers to solar energy adoption in Pakistan: Current status, policy gaps, and institutional reforms. Results in Engineering. 2025; 29: 108537. doi: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.108537
39. Nwala KC, Kabeyi MJB, Olanrewaju OA. A visual and strategic framework for integrated renewable energy systems: Bridging technological, economic, environmental, social, and regulatory dimensions. Energies. 2025; 18(20): 5468. doi: 10.3390/en18205468
40. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). State of the Industry Report. NEPRA; 2024.
41. Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB). Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park. Government of the Punjab; 2024.
42. The News. Neelum-Jhelum project to stay offline two more years. Available online: https: //www.thenews.com.pk/print/1332049-neelum-jhelum-project-to-stay-offline-two-more-years (accessed on 28 November 2025.
43. CPEC Secretariat. Energy Projects Under CPEC. Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives; 2024.
44. Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC). National Electric Vehicle Policy. Government of Pakistan; 2019.
45. Unter KMM, Park S, Rivera J. Business response strategies to climate change: An integrative and research frontiers outlook. Organization & Environment. 2024; 37(2): 325–357. doi: 10.1177/10860266231202819
46. Das A, Swain PK. Navigating sea level rise: Exploring the interplay of climate change, sea level rise, and coastal communities in India. Environ Monit Assess. 2024; 196(11): 1010. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-13191-z
47. Olujobi OJ, Odogbo IS. Strategic evaluation of the 2021 Nigeria Climate Change Act: Surmounting challenges, paving the way for success, and envisioning future trajectories. Social Sciences & Humanities Open. 2024; 10: 100928. doi: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100928
48. Acen C, Bamisile O, Cai D, et al. The complementary role of carbon dioxide removal: A catalyst for advancing the COP28 pledges towards the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target. Science of the Total Environment. 2024; 947: 174302. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174302
49. Leiter T. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) as a governance instrument—accounting for politics, negotiation progress, and related mechanisms under the Paris Agreement. Environmental Politics. 2024; 33(3): 552–557. doi: 10.1080/09644016.2023.2252312
50. Donatti CI, Nicholas K, Fedele G, et al. Global hotspots of climate-related disasters. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 2024; 108: 104488. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104488
51. Chang BH, Auxilia PM, Kalra A, et al. Greenhouse gas emissions and the rising effects of renewable energy consumption and climate risk development finance: Evidence from BRICS countries. Annals of Financial Economics. 2024; 19(2): 2350007. doi: 10.1142/S2010495223500070
52. Alsunousi M, Kayabasi E. The role of hydrogen in synthetic fuel production strategies. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2024; 54: 1169–1178. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.11.359
53. Bhatti UA, Bhatti MA, Tang H, et al. Global production patterns: Understanding the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture greening and climate variability. Environmental Research. 2024; 245: 118049. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118049
54. Dilanchiev A, Sharif A, Ayad H, Nuta AC. The interaction between remittance, FDI, renewable energy, and environmental quality: A panel data analysis for the top remittance-receiving countries. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2024; 31(10): 14912–14926. doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-32150-2
55. Yang M, Magazzino C, Awosusi AA, Abdulloev N. Determinants of load capacity factor in BRICS countries: A panel data analysis. Nat Resour Forum. 2024; 48(2): 525–548. doi: 10.1111/1477-8947.12331
56. Waheed A, Kousar S, Khan MI, Fischer TB. Environmental governance in Pakistan: Perspectives and implications for the China-Pakistan economic corridor plan. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 2024; 23: 100443. doi: 10.1016/j.indic.2024.100443
57. Yousaf A, Kiran A, Iqbal MA, et al. Climate change effects on rural livelihoods in Pakistan: legal and policy analysis. GeoJournal. 2025; 90(1): 1–26. doi: 10.1007/s10708-024-11273-6
58. Raza MY, Cucculelli M. Sustainable energy changeover in Pakistan: Prospects, progress, and policies. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2024; 31(5): 6610–6627. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-31766-0
59. Awan M N, Kabir M, Ahmad S, et al. The Future of biodiversity in the changing watersheds of Kashmir Himalaya, Pakistan: Conservation challenges and opportunities. Hindu Kush-Himalaya Watersheds Downhill: Landscape Ecology and Conservation Perspectives; 2020. pp. 113–133.
60. Asad M, Mahmood FI, Baffo I, et al. The cost benefit analysis of commercial 100 MW solar PV: The plant Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Pvt Ltd. Sustainability. 2022; 14(5): 2895. doi: 10.3390/su14052895
61. Nazir L, Sharifi A. An analysis of barriers to the implementation of smart grid technology in Pakistan. Renewable Energy. 2024; 220: 119661. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.119661
62. Firlej KA, Luty L, Firlej C. Access to sources of stable, sustainable, and modern energy as a goal of sustainable development in the European Union: Are the Scandinavian countries leading the energy transition? Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review. 2024; 12(4): 75–95.
63. Ouro-Salim O. Urban mining of e-waste management globally: literature review. Cleaner Waste Systems. 2024; 9: 100162. doi: 10.1016/j.clwas.2024.100162
64. Mvile BN, Bishoge OK. Mining and sustainable development goals in Africa. Resources Policy. 2024; 90: 104710. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2024.104710
65. Ullah S, Lin B. Green energy dynamics: Analyzing the environmental impacts of renewable, hydro, and nuclear energy consumption in Pakistan. Renewable Energy. 2024; 232: 121025. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121025
66. Abbas Q, Yaqoob H, Sajjad U, et al. Utilization of local coal in Pakistan oil-fired power plants and future clean technologies for power generation. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering. 2025; 11: 101132. doi: 10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101132
67. Ranjan A. India-Pakistan hydroelectricity issues: Questions, differences and disputes. India Review. 2020; 19(5): 427–447. doi: 10.1080/14736489.2020.1855011
68. Dewasiri NJ, Gnanapala WKAC, Rathnasiri MSH, Yadav M, Tewari LM, Mishra U. The way forward for net zero: Aligning nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and holistic sustainable development in South Asia. In: Transition Towards a Sustainable Future: Net Zero Policies and Environmental Sustainability. Springer Nature Singapore; 2024. pp. 95–116.
69. Abbas SA, Syed SH, Campbell N, et al. A dynamic modelling of the regional and international political economy of US aid to Pakistan. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. 2025; 30(4): 1526–1547. doi: 10.1080/13547860.2024.2379684
70. Li X, Liu Z, Ali T. Energy–economy–carbon emissions: impacts of energy infrastructure investments in Pakistan under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Sustainability. 2024; 16(23): 10191. doi: 10.3390/su162310191
71. Raja SI, Khan SM. Advancing renewable energy policies as a solution to climate change in Pakistan. Climate Energy. 2025; 41(11): 15–20. doi: 10.1002/gas.22464
72. Ullah S, Lin B. Clean energy initiatives in Pakistan: Driving sustainable development and lowering carbon emissions through environmental innovation and policy optimization. Journal of Environmental Management. 2025; 373: 123647. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123647
73. Dadkhah M, Nedungadi P, Raman R, et al. Emerging and disruptive technologies and the sustainable development goals: A state of art and research agenda. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy. 2024; 19(1): 13–21. doi: 10.24136/eq.2985
74. Xin Y, Dost MBK, Akram H, et al. Analyzing Pakistan’s renewable energy potential: A review of the country’s energy policy, its challenges, and recommendations. Sustainability. 2021; 14(23): 16123. doi: 10.3390/su142316123.
75. Qudrat-Ullah H. A review and analysis of renewable energy policies and CO2 emissions of Pakistan. Energy. 2022; 238: 121849. doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.121849
76. Xing L, Udemba EN, Tosun M, et al. Sustainable development policies of renewable energy and technological innovation toward climate and sustainable development goals. Sustainable Development. 2023; 31(2): 1178–1192. doi: 10.1002/sd.2514
77. Bilgili F, Önderol S, Kuşkaya S, et al. Renewable energy and technology adoption: Mitigating CO2 emissions through implementation strategies. Natural Resources Forum. 2025; 49(2): 1478–1535. doi: 10.1111/1477-8947.12441
78. Obuseh E, Eyenubo J, Alele J, et al. A systematic review of barriers to renewable energy integration and adoption. Journal of Asian Energy Studies. 2025; 9: 26–45. doi: 10.24112/jaes.090002
79. Aydin M, Degirmenci T, Ahmed Z, et al. Do energy taxes, green technological innovation, and energy productivity enable the green energy transition in EU countries? Evidence from novel panel data estimators. Renewable Energy. 2025; 249: 123236. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123236
80. Bashir MF, Pata UK, Shahzad L. Linking climate change, energy transition and renewable energy investments to combat energy security risks: Evidence from top energy consuming economies. Energy. 2025; 314: 134175. doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.134175
Supporting Agencies
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Bahar Khan, Syed Afzal Moshadi Shah, Imran Naseem, Noureen Fatima, Abdullah Hamoud Ali Seraj, Khalid Zaman
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Prof. Kittisak Wongmahesak
North Bangkok University (Thailand)
It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of the Forum on Sustainable Social Development & Computing and Artificial Intelligence, originally scheduled for June 15, 2025.
