Coal-Based Electricity Production in Pakistan Under CPEC Agreements: Environmental Impacts and Climate Law Challenges
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Chinese firms have made significant investments in coal-fired electricity production as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreements. These investments have helped secure the electricity supply and, consequently, have contributed to the economic growth of Pakistan. However, due to the high carbon intensity of coal-fired power generation, this method is not compatible with the zero-emission goals necessary for managing global temperatures in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. To achieve these goals, all the coal-based power plants operating without carbon capture and storage must be decommissioned by 2040 (International Energy Agency, 2022). The current research discusses the impacts and outcomes of the coal-based electricity generation projects in Pakistan vis a vis Paris Agreement as well as climate change standards. It aims to identify the legal and monetary challenges which may emerge from transitioning coal-based electricity generation to renewable energy sources. A qualitative research design is adopted, using an analytical method. The information gathered for this research includes an analysis of international conventions, domestic legislations, peer-reviewed articles, policies, and reports concerning coal energy projects, Chinese investments, and renewable energy transitions in Pakistan. These sources are selected based on their relevance, reliability, and contribution to the research objectives and all the extracted studies are critically evaluated. The collected data is subject to thematic analysis which is a method of analyzing, identifying and reporting patterns within the data collected from a particular study that is qualitative in nature. The objectives of this research include comprehensive study of the existing legal framework of China Pakistan coal-based energy agreements and an exploration of how Pakistan would transform energy generation through renewable sources without compromising energy security, while ensuring compliance with international standards of climate change.
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