Power Sector Update: Pakistan’s Energy Generation Declines 19% in November 2025
Pakistan’s power generation sector experienced a significant decline in November 2025, producing a total of 8,050 GWh, which is 19% lower than October. This decrease has raised concerns among policymakers, energy analysts, and investors, as electricity production is a critical component of the country’s economic and industrial stability.
According to Arif Habib Limited, the drop in generation was influenced by several factors, including reduced output from RLNG and natural gas plants, seasonal fluctuations affecting hydroelectric plants, and the ongoing shift toward cleaner and more cost-efficient energy sources.
Despite the overall decline, the average fuel cost decreased by 15% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs6.22 per kWh, reflecting improvements in energy efficiency and cost management in the sector.
Nuclear Power Sees Strong Growth Amid Overall Decline
Nuclear energy continued to be a key driver in Pakistan’s power generation, with output rising by 23% YoY to 2,031 GWh in November 2025. This accounts for 25.2% of the total electricity generation for the month, showing the sector’s increasing contribution to stable and cleaner energy.
Year-to-date (5 months of FY26), nuclear generation reached 9,996 GWh, up 13% from the previous year, contributing 17% of overall electricity production. Analysts note that nuclear plants are less affected by fuel price fluctuations and seasonal constraints, making them a reliable source of continuous energy.
The growth in nuclear energy is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, including RLNG, natural gas, and coal, which have faced declining output in recent months.
Hydroelectric Generation Recovers From Seasonal Constraints
Hydroelectric power played a significant role in Pakistan’s electricity mix, with generation increasing by 10% YoY to 3,153 GWh in November 2025. Its share of the total generation rose to 39.2%, indicating a recovery from seasonal constraints that usually affect river flow and reservoir levels during certain months.
Hydel plants, including Tarbela, Mangla, and Ghazi-Barotha, contributed significantly to this growth. Hydroelectric power remains a cost-effective and renewable source of energy, and its increased output in November helped mitigate some of the shortfall caused by declining RLNG and gas-fired plants.
Experts say that improving water storage, dam efficiency, and maintenance schedules has enhanced the stability and reliability of hydroelectric generation in Pakistan.
RLNG and Natural Gas Power Generation Decline
The RLNG (Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas) sector witnessed a sharp drop of 23% YoY to 696 GWh, while natural gas-fired plants declined by 21% to 680 GWh. These declines reduced their shares in the overall energy mix to 8.6% and 8.4%, respectively.
Several factors contributed to this downturn, including higher fuel prices earlier in the year, reduced gas supply, and maintenance shutdowns at key power plants. RLNG and natural gas plants are flexible and often used to meet peak demand, but their output is vulnerable to supply constraints and economic pressures.
Analysts emphasize the importance of balancing RLNG and gas generation with renewable and nuclear sources to maintain grid stability and meet growing energy demand in Pakistan.
Coal-Based Generation Falls as Energy Mix Shifts
Coal-fired power plants, both local and imported, also experienced declines. Local coal generation stood at 752 GWh, while imported coal contributed 407 GWh, combining for a 14.4% share of total electricity production.
Coal plants have faced challenges such as rising fuel costs, operational inefficiencies, and environmental concerns. The government’s shift toward cleaner energy has also influenced investment and operational priorities in coal-based generation.
Despite these challenges, coal remains an important baseload source of electricity, especially in regions with limited hydropower capacity or inconsistent renewable output.
Renewables Continue Strong Performance
Renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, showed remarkable growth in November 2025. Solar generation rose by 25% YoY to 86 GWh, while wind power jumped 39% to 136 GWh. These contributions account for 1.1% and 1.7% of total electricity generation, respectively.
The growth in renewables is driven by new projects, government incentives, and international support for sustainable energy. Analysts believe that investment in solar and wind power is crucial to diversifying Pakistan’s energy mix, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering dependence on imported fuels.
Renewable energy also offers the advantage of low operating costs and environmental benefits, making it a preferred long-term solution for sustainable electricity supply.
Fuel Costs and Energy Efficiency Trends
The average fuel cost for electricity generation decreased to Rs6.22/kWh, a 15% YoY reduction, indicating improved efficiency in power generation. This drop in fuel costs is attributed to better fuel management, optimized operations, and increased use of nuclear and hydel energy, which are less affected by fuel price volatility.
Reduced fuel costs help lower electricity tariffs, making energy more affordable for industries and households while supporting economic growth. The combination of cost-efficient energy sources and policy measures is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s power sector in the coming years.
Future Outlook: Cleaner and More Cost-Efficient Energy Sources
Pakistan’s power sector is gradually transitioning toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy are driving growth, while RLNG, gas, and coal face declines due to rising costs, operational challenges, and environmental concerns.
The government is actively promoting investment in renewables, hydel projects, and nuclear expansion, alongside reforms in the RLNG and coal sectors to ensure a balanced and reliable electricity supply.
Energy experts predict that Pakistan’s long-term electricity mix will be dominated by a combination of nuclear, hydropower, and renewables, complemented by conventional sources during peak demand periods.
Impact on Industries and Households
The decline in power generation affects both industries and households, as consistent electricity supply is essential for economic activity and daily life. Power shortages or fluctuating supply can disrupt manufacturing processes, commercial operations, and household energy usage, emphasizing the importance of a stable and diversified energy sector.
Investments in energy efficiency, renewable projects, and grid modernization are critical to ensuring that businesses and citizens have access to reliable electricity, even during periods of reduced generation from RLNG and coal plants.
Conclusion: Pakistan’s Power Sector in Transition
November 2025 marked a challenging month for Pakistan’s electricity generation, with a 19% drop in output. However, the strong performance of nuclear, hydel, and renewable energy provides optimism for a cleaner and more cost-efficient energy future.
The decline in RLNG, gas, and coal generation highlights the need for structural reforms, better fuel management, and investment in sustainable energy. Moving forward, Pakistan’s energy strategy aims to balance affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term growth and stability in the power sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Pakistan’s power generation drop by 19% in November 2025?
The decline was mainly due to reduced output from RLNG, natural gas, and coal-fired plants. Seasonal constraints and maintenance schedules also affected overall electricity production.
2. Which energy sources saw growth despite the overall drop?
Nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power saw significant growth. Nuclear rose 23% YoY, hydel increased 10%, solar grew 25%, and wind jumped 39%.
3. How much electricity did Pakistan generate in November 2025?
Pakistan produced a total of 8,050 GWh in November 2025, reflecting a 19% decline compared to October.
4. What is the share of nuclear and hydropower in the overall energy mix?
Nuclear contributed 25.2% of total generation in November 2025, while hydropower accounted for 39.2% of total electricity generation.
5. How are renewable energy sources performing in Pakistan?
Renewables are performing well. Solar generation reached 86 GWh, and wind power contributed 136 GWh, together making up around 2.8% of the total energy mix.
