Wind has been harnessed for centuries—first for sailing ships, then to grind grain and pump water using traditional windmills
- We can harness this powerful natural resource to fuel our future lighting homes, energizing industries, and reducing the environmental cost of development
Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
Have you ever felt frustrated during the scorching summer months, enduring endless power outages and long hours of load-shedding? Have you ever wondered why, unlike many developed countries, we still struggle to provide round-the-clock electricity? The answer lies in a simple yet pressing truth: our electricity production cannot keep up with our growing demand. While temporary solutions like generators, UPS systems, and solar panels provide some relief at the individual level, they are not enough to power homes, industries, and businesses on a national scale. What we need are long-term, sustainable energy solutions.
Why Renewable Energy?
In Pakistan, electricity is generated from various sources including hydroelectric dams, coal, and fossil fuels. However, these conventional methods are increasingly harmful to the environment. With the world facing the serious threat of climate change, it’s vital that any new energy solutions are environmentally friendly. One such promising and eco-friendly source is wind energy. Surprisingly, the very winds we often consider a nuisance can be a powerful ally in our quest for clean energy. In fact, wind energy contributed about 7.33% of the world’s electricity production in 2022.
A Brief History of Wind Energy
Wind has been harnessed for centuries—first for sailing ships, then to grind grain and pump water using traditional windmills. The earliest known windmills date back over a thousand years to regions that now include Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. From there, the technology spread to India, China, and Europe, evolving with each step. Modern wind turbines—descendants of those early windmills convert wind into electricity using advanced engineering. The first practical wind-powered electricity generator was built by P. La Cour in Denmark in 1890, with widespread interest resurging during the energy crises of the 1970s.
How Wind Turbines Work
Wind turbines come in two main types: Horizontal-axis turbines, the most common, feature three long blades and are mounted on tall towers, typically 60 to 90 meters high. These blades rotate when hit by wind, turning a generator to produce electricity.
Vertical-axis turbines have blades that spin around a vertical axis. They’re often smaller and easier to maintain because their generators are located near the ground. These are suitable for urban areas and rooftops.
A group of turbines connected to the same grid is called a wind farm, which can range from a few turbines to hundreds, covering large areas either on land or offshore.
Pakistan’s Wind Power Potential
Pakistan is well-positioned to benefit from wind energy. Under its Renewable Energy Policy, the government aims to generate 60% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The country has significant wind potential, especially in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The most promising area is the Gharo-Jhimpir wind corridor, stretching along the coast between Karachi and Hyderabad. This 60km wide and 180km long region could generate up to 50,000 MW of electricity. The Jhimpir Wind Power Plant was Pakistan’s first major wind project.
Operational since March 2018, it uses high-efficiency turbines to inject 200 GWh of electricity into the national grid annually, producing 55 MW on its own. Jhimpir is just one of 26 private wind projects currently generating 1,335 MW in Pakistan, with 10 more projects (510 MW) under construction. With full implementation and integration, these projects could significantly reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and minimize power outages.
A Global Legacy: The Asbads of Iran
The world’s oldest known windmills, called Asbads, still stand in Nashtifan, Iran. Made from clay, straw, and wood, they’ve been grinding grain for centuries using strong seasonal winds that blow for 120 days a year, sometimes reaching speeds of 100 km/h. These vertical windmills are about 65 feet tall, each featuring eight chambers and six wooden blades. Though only 15 Asbads remain today, they are considered a national heritage and are undergoing restoration to preserve this ancient engineering marvel. Wind energy offers Pakistan a reliable, clean, and cost-effective path to energy security. With strategic investment, improved technology, and government support, we can harness this powerful natural resource to fuel our future lighting homes, energizing industries, and reducing the environmental cost of development. The wind may seem invisible, but with the right tools, it can become a visible solution to one of our most pressing challenges.
Read – Jhimpir Wind Corridor: Prosperity or Displacement?
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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com
