By Ijaz Kakakhel

Pakistan’s electricity generation showed mixed trends over the six months from October 2025 to March 2026, with hydropower, coal, nuclear, and renewable sources driving seasonal fluctuations in overall supply, according to the official data available with Wealth Pakistan on energy production.

Total electricity generation from all sources stood at 9,885.78 GWh in October 2025, before declining to 8,050.21 GWh in November. Output recovered slightly to 8,487.04 GWh in December 2025 and rose further to 9,140.25 GWh in January 2026. However, generation dropped again to 7,695.74 GWh in February before rebounding to 8,939.28 GWh in March 2026.

Hydel generation remained one of the most variable components of the energy mix, reflecting seasonal water availability. It peaked at 3,152.63 GWh in November 2025 but fell sharply to 713.27 GWh in January 2026 before recovering to 2,105.18 GWh by March. Coal-based generation, meanwhile, showed a stronger upward trajectory, rising from 1,726.64 GWh in October to a peak of 2,983.25 GWh in January, before stabilizing at 2,731.98 GWh in March.

Gas-based electricity generation remained relatively steady, ranging between 679.80 GWh and 1,117.46 GWh across the period, with its highest output recorded in January.

RLNG-based generation showed greater volatility, starting at 1,949.02 GWh in October, dipping to 695.90 GWh in November, peaking again at 2,001.94 GWh in January, and then steadily declining to 504.00 GWh by March 2026.

Nuclear power continued to provide a stable and significant share of the energy mix, though it also reflected some variation. Output stood at 2,187.85 GWh in October, dipped to 1,448.96 GWh in February, and recovered to 1,962.29 GWh in March.

Renewable energy sources showed gradual growth trends. Wind generation increased consistently from 185.20 GWh in October to 308.97 GWh in March. Solar generation fluctuated modestly, ranging between 73.60 GWh and 105.63 GWh, while bagasse-based generation remained relatively stable, peaking at 101.54 GWh in January before easing slightly.

Electricity imports from Iran remained marginal throughout the period, averaging between 32.95 GWh and 43.26 GWh, indicating limited reliance on external supply.

High-speed diesel (HSD) and mixed generation remained absent during the entire period, while residual fuel oil (RFO) was used intermittently, with a notable spike of 274.20 GWh in January 2026.

Overall, the data highlights a shifting energy mix dominated by coal, hydel, RLNG, and nuclear power, alongside a gradual rise in renewable contributions, particularly wind energy. The fluctuations reflect seasonal hydrological patterns, fuel availability, and evolving dispatch priorities within the national power system.

Credit: INP-WealthPk