Legal and policy frameworks for renewable energy integration into national power grids: A comparative study of Pakistan and the European Union

Abstract

Shifting to renewable energy is one of the law and policy issues that need to be addressed to ensure energy security and sustainability. In the face of energy policies like ARE Policy 2019 and National Electricity Policy 2021, the energy sector in Pakistan is still facing energy shortages, dependence on imported fossil fuels, ballooning circular debt, and low penetration of renewable energy. The EU has a more unified and binding legal framework to facilitate renewable integration. This study aims to highlight the gaps, regulatory differences, and policy lessons from both systems to facilitate the transition towards renewable energy in Pakistan.