**6. Pakistan's energy scenario**

Pakistan is the world's sixth largest country in terms of population, (213 million) and an annual growth rate of 2%.A significant portion (63%) of this population lives in rural areas, while 37 percent live in urban areas [108]. The recent economic growth and an ever-increasing population, has resulted in an increase in energy consumption. The country still depends on conventional resources of fossil oil.

Various initiatives to promote renewable energy in Pakistan have been taken over the years, but their outcomes are still pending due to a lack of sound policy [109]. Recently, Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), was established in 2003 [78], in Pakistan to improve green technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable technologies through a variety of projects that have been recognized on an international level by the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) and the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) [110].

There is a significant gap between Pakistan's energy production and energy demands, which is being bridged by the import of fossil fuels and requires substantial state revenue to be spent on these imports. Pakistan imported 13.57 Milliontons of oil equivalent **(**MTOE) of petroleum during fiscal year 2014–2015, ultimately putting tremendous pressure on the economy by increasing the import bills [111]. Transportation and power generation are the main fossil fuel consuming sectors in Pakistan. Fuel price increases frequently, leading to increases in transportation costs and utility bills for both public and private consumers and pose socioeconomic challenges for the country. At present, Pakistan's indigenous resources account for only up to 15 percent of the country's energy requirements [112]. Pakistan spends approximately 60% of its currency exchange on importing fuels to meet energy needs, and these import bills can be significantly reduced if indigenous alternative energy resources are used appropriately [110].

Pakistan's government is searching for cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative energy sources in order to address current energy crises and maintain economic stability [108].
