Study proposes transformative shift toward renewable energy despite land and resource constraints
The Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) has released a comprehensive study titled Punjab Roadmap 2036: Clean Energy Transition, outlining a strategic blueprint for transforming Punjab’s power sector towards sustainability.
The roadmap aims to balance the state’s growing electricity demand with energy security and economic growth, while significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
According to the study, Punjab’s electricity demand is projected to rise sharply to 1,26,347 million units (MU) by FY 2036. This surge is attributed to urban expansion, industrial growth, and the adoption of electric technologies in agriculture and transportation.
Under a Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario, the state could see peak power demand soar to 27,040 MW, but targeted clean energy interventions could reduce this figure to 26,167 MW, cutting the need for new power plants by 7%.
Despite Punjab’s ambitious energy goals, the state faces significant challenges due to limited solar and wind resources, high energy consumption across sectors, and land availability constraints for large-scale renewable projects. To address these concerns, the CSTEP study explores two future energy pathways:
- Standard Setup: 46% renewable energy, 54% fossil fuel
- Green Energy Setup: 67% renewable energy, reducing emissions by 41% in FY 2036
While the green energy path demands higher initial investments, it promises long-term environmental and economic benefits, including a 7.3% average reduction in power purchase costs.
Key recommendations in the report include:
- Utilizing non-fertile land for solar and wind farms, with financial support for biomass energy
- Developing 7,451 MW of energy storage capacity using battery and pumped hydro systems
- Procuring 2,637 MW of nuclear energy for stable power supply
- Scaling rooftop solar, smart meters, efficient agricultural pumps, and green building codes
- Introducing concessional green loans for energy-efficient infrastructure
The report also highlights the urgent need for policy and regulatory reforms, along with focused efforts in transmission and distribution planning. With strategic execution, Punjab can become a model state for clean and resilient energy infrastructure, driving both sustainability and inclusive economic growth.