- Tidal energy offers clean, predictable power reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving energy security
- Harnessing coastal waters through pilot projects creates blue jobs, boosts investment, and strengthens resilience
Pakistan is no stranger to energy shortages. From rolling blackouts in the cities to fuel import bills that keep climbing, the country’s power problems are a constant drag on both the economy and everyday life. With climate change knocking on the door and fossil fuel reserves dwindling, it’s clear that the old ways of powering our homes and industries won’t carry us much further. But what if part of the answer has been right in front of us all along or rather, just off our shores?
Tidal energy, often called “blue energy,” taps into the natural rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity. Using underwater turbines or structures called barrages (which work somewhat like dams), this clean, renewable source can produce steady and predictable power. Unlike wind and solar, which depend on weather conditions, tides follow a reliable, natural rhythm of making tidal power a consistent energy source that’s easy to plan around so, in this domain of untapped resource Pakistan has a big opportunity. Our coastline stretches more than 1,000 kilometers along the Arabian Sea, with areas like the Indus Delta, the Karachi creeks, and the Makran coast showing particularly strong tidal activity. Studies by the National Institute of Oceanography and the Pakistan Meteorological Department have pointed out several “hotspots,” including near Keti Bandar, where tidal ranges of 3 to 5 meters make the area ideal for tidal power but despite this natural gift, tidal energy hasn’t found a place in Pakistan’s energy plans at least not yet.
There are plenty of reasons for Pakistan to take this blue energy seriously. It’s completely green having no smoke, no carbon, and no noise. It helps us meet international climate commitments and improve air quality at home. It’s also predictable, which makes it a good candidate for supplying the minimum level of electricity that the national grid always needs, no matter the time of day or season. On top of that, investing in tidal power could reduce our heavy reliance on imported fuel. Right now, much of Pakistan’s energy comes from oil and gas bought abroad along with a costly dependency that leaves us vulnerable to price shocks. Tapping into our own marine resources could mean more self-sufficiency and better energy security. And let’s not forget the economic benefits. In addition building and maintaining tidal energy infrastructure would create Blue jobs (jobs generated by ocean) and bring investment to coastal areas like Sindh and Balochistan.
But opportunities always carry challenges. The technology is expensive to start with. Building turbines and maintaining them underwater costs more than putting up solar panels or windmills at least for now. As well as Pakistan lacks the kind of clear policies and incentives that have helped solar and wind take off in recent years. Plus, while tidal energy tech is being developed in places like the UK and South Korea, it’s still a relatively new field especially for countries like Pakistan, which don’t yet have the expertise or equipment.
Furthermore, environmental convers are also important. If tidal installations are not carefully installed it may disturb marine life or interfere with fishing and shipping routes. But, our Almighty Allah has created everything for the mankind but it’s our duty to explore and remove all these hurdles which aren’t impossible to overcome if there’s a serious commitment. A good first step would be to update the national renewable energy policy to include marine and tidal sources, not just wind and solar. That could open the door to investment, both local and international. Small pilot projects perhaps near Keti Bandar or the Indus Delta could help test the waters (literally) and give Pakistani engineers a chance to learn and adapt.
Suggested Policy Actions:
1- Policy & Regulatory Framework: To ensure tidal energy develops in an organized and sustainable way, Pakistan should adopt a National Tidal Energy Policy (NTEP) as a dedicated extension of the Alternative & Renewable Energy Policy 2019. This policy must be backed by environmental and legal guidelines, with strict protocols for environmental impact assessments (EIA) to protect sensitive ecosystems such as fisheries, mangroves, and marine life. Additionally, the government can designate Renewable Energy Zones across the Sindh and Balochistan coasts to encourage focused investments and avoid conflicts with other maritime activities.
2- Research & Development: Tidal energy in Pakistan is still at an experimental stage, making pilot projects a crucial starting point. Locations such as Korangi Creek, the Indus Delta, and Gwadar could serve as testing grounds. Collaboration between local universities like NED, Bahria, and Karachi University with international institutes would boost research and knowledge-sharing in marine energy technology. At the same time, tidal resource mapping through detailed hydrographic and oceanographic surveys of Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will provide a clear picture of where projects can be most successful.
3- Financial Incentives: Tidal energy projects demand high initial investment, so supportive financial policies are essential. Offering a feed-in tariff (FiT) will give investors’ confidence in guaranteed returns. Pakistan can also provide tax breaks on the import of turbines, generators, and other specialized equipment needed for marine energy development. Furthermore, the introduction of green and blue bonds could help attract international financing, especially from environmentally conscious investors looking to support renewable energy projects in developing countries.
4- International Partnerships: Since tidal technology is still developing globally, Pakistan can benefit greatly from technology transfer by working with countries such as the UK, South Korea, and Canada, which already have advanced tidal energy programs. Accessing climate finance through organizations like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), World Bank, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) would provide much-needed resources to launch large-scale projects. Equally, public-private partnerships (PPP) that bring together local companies such as Engro or HUBCO with international renewable firms could provide the expertise and capital to move the sector forward.
5- Infrastructure & Integration: For tidal energy to succeed, it must be supported by strong infrastructure. Upgrading coastal transmission lines is necessary to connect tidal power to the national grid. Building hybrid energy systems that combine tidal energy with offshore wind and solar power can ensure a steady renewable supply even during low tide cycles. Developing marine infrastructure, including ports, maintenance docks, and logistics facilities, will also be key to supporting large-scale operations.
6- Community & Socioeconomic Aspects: The development of tidal energy should directly benefit coastal communities. Local job creation through training programs in marine engineering, turbine maintenance, and environmental monitoring can uplift these regions. To protect livelihoods, a fisheries coexistence policy should be implemented to ensure tidal projects do not harm fishermen’s access to resources. Providing subsidized electricity to nearby villages can further strengthen local support. Lastly, awareness campaigns will help build public understanding of tidal energy’s potential in reducing load-shedding and strengthening Pakistan’s resilience against climate change.
In short, Pakistan needs a step-by-step approach i.e. mapping & feasibility, Pilot projects, Policy & incentives and Scaling up with PPP & global financing. By following this pathway, Pakistan can turn its coastal waters into a source of clean, reliable energy and make tidal power a central part of its blue economy strategy. More funding for ocean and energy research would also go a long way. And by partnering with countries that already have a head start in tidal energy, Pakistan can avoid some of the early missteps and fast-track its own development. Therefore, in a country where energy crises have become part of the national conversation, tidal power offers a fresh perspective grounded in nature, stability, and long-term sustainability. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s certainly part of the answer.
The tides are coming in, like they always do. The real question is whether we’ll choose to ride the wave or let it pass us by.
The Author is MD IRP/Faculty Department of H&SS-Bahria University Karachi