“Energy is the lifeblood of modern civilization.” This widely quoted phrase reflects the vital role energy plays in today’s world, which is essential for the development of any region. Gilgit-Baltistan is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. It is also known for its majestic mountain ranges and rich natural resources. However, despite its potential, the region faces a significant energy crisis even in this modern age. The energy deficit impacts not only the development of the region but also the daily lives of its residents.
Gilgit-Baltistan is a mountainous region with some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, Nanga Parbat. Along with Deosai National Park, which is one of the highest alpine plateaus in the world, located in the Himalayas Mountain range. Gilgit-Baltistan hosts thousands of glaciers and vital water reservoirs. The Indus River originates in Gilgit-Baltistan and plays a crucial role in the water supply for Pakistan’s major agricultural production. The indigenous communities in Gilgit-Baltistan rely on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale business for their livelihood. Despite the presence of lavish water resources, the region of Gilgit Baltistan faces a chronic energy crisis.
Hunza is at a strategic location that provides a gateway to Pakistan and China connectivity through CPEC
Gilgit-Baltistan has the potential to generate 40,000 MW of electricity from its natural resources, including water, wind, and sunlight. Yet Gilgit-Baltistan produces only a fraction of this potential. The inconsistency between natural potential and production highlights the region’s power challenges. Electricity is primarily generated by scattered small hydropower units with capacities ranging from 50 kW to 4,000 kW, with 119 stations currently operational and a total installed capacity of 148.69 MW. The total demand reached 254 MW. Therefore, these power plants are unable to provide sufficient electricity, especially during winters when streams freeze and the flow of water stops. Due to this, the whole region plunges into darkness.
The energy situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is terrible. More than 20 hours of load shedding makes life miserable in Gilgit-Baltistan. Recently, the residents of Hunza held a protest during harsh weather at -10 Celsius against the severe power crisis they face. According to them, the people of Hunza are struggling to power even a single light bulb. The district of Hunza faces a severe energy crisis in the entire region due to high demand and a limited number of power stations with insufficient capacity. Meanwhile, the national media remains silent on the socio-political issues of Gilgit-Baltistan, focusing only on its natural beauty and scenic views. This selective coverage is unfortunate. Hunza is at a strategic location that provides a gateway to Pakistan and China connectivity through CPEC. At this place, people are getting hardly 1 hour and 20 minutes of electricity during the daytime.
Until gas and electricity become readily available in Gilgit-Baltistan, the felling of trees will continue, and the use of diesel generators adds to air and noise pollution, intensifying environmental pollution
Lack of power supply disrupts everyday life. Educational institutions, the health sector, and small businesses face operational challenges without sufficient energy. The agricultural economy and tourism industry, which are the primary sources of economy are also significantly affected. Continuous blackouts terribly impact the quality of life of native communities, making it difficult for students and households to work efficiently, especially during winter. It has environmental consequences until gas and electricity become readily available in Gilgit-Baltistan, the felling of trees will continue, and the use of diesel generators adds to air and noise pollution, intensifying environmental pollution. Glaciers are melting due to drastic toxic gas emissions from end-use energy sources. Glaciers are natural bodies that are not recreated by humans if once depleted. The impact of it is seen in terms of climate change, and Gilgit-Baltistan faces several floods every year.
Gilgit-Baltistan has the potential to fulfil the energy consumption of the entire Pakistan. But unfortunately, they are experiencing prolonged energy shortages. The feasibility of several power projects has been done, but work has not started because of administrative failure. Gilgit-Baltistan has a natural potential for power generation. The rivers are naturally sloped for hydropower generation. But the government has not harnessed the potential. In winter, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan shift to thermal energy to overcome the power crisis, but this alternative comes with inefficiencies and high costs along with environmental consequences. Thermal power production may be a temporary solution to the problem, but it is a disaster for ecology in the long-term future. It will destroy lives and all ecosystems.
Why are energy shortages becoming common in Gilgit-Baltistan, despite its richness of natural resources? The reasons are complex, but some of the key factors include geographical and climatic challenges, lack of investment and policy attention, mismanagement and growing population. Gilgit-Baltistan is a mountainous region that makes the construction of energy infrastructure challenging and overpriced. In the same way, environmental changes also take part in energy crises. During winters, the water flow is also reduced, resulting in the reduction of hydropower production. Unplanned development is also exacerbating the energy crisis.
Gilgit-Baltistan has enormous potential for generating hydropower, and utilizing this resource could solve the issue of energy crisis. Establishing small-scale and large-scale power plants in different areas will go a long way
Gilgit-Baltistan lives without access to the national grid and mostly relies on traditional energy sources. The lack of investment in the region’s energy sector and policy attention is also a big reason behind the energy crisis. Gilgit-Baltistan is geopolitically important; despite its significance, the region does not receive sufficient attention from the federal government of Pakistan. The energy development projects are frequently postponed or quiet due to insufficient funding and political negligence. Poor management is another main cause of the energy shortage in Gilgit-Baltistan. The current energy infrastructure is poorly maintained, resulting in continuous breakdowns and systematic flaws. Limited energy infrastructure is unable to make the equilibrium between supply and demand.
Addressing the energy crisis is not just about identifying problems but also implementing effective solutions that can drive immediate and long-term changes. Some of the effective solutions include maximization of hydropower potential, renewable energy alternatives, and government and policy investment. Gilgit-Baltistan has enormous potential for generating hydropower, and utilizing this resource could solve the issue of energy crisis. Establishing small-scale and large-scale power plants in different areas helps in generating enough energy. For instance, the successful implementation of the Bashah Dam in Diamer could produce significant energy.
Using renewable energy like wind and solar to generate electricity may also be a resourceful solution to this problem. The installation of windmills in areas with strong wind will help generate electricity. The region’s high altitude and clear sky make it ideal for solar energy. As the geopolitical and ecological importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, regional energy policy is crucial. The government should focus on and provide funds to solve the crisis. Also, it should prioritize community-based renewable energy projects and economical hybrid systems rather than just focusing on hydropower energy. Ensuring equal privilege to electricity whilst incorporating governance mechanisms that unlock the potential and foster sustainability with local engagement will provide clean energy to conserve the atmosphere and glaciers from degradation.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. The do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
