Pakistan switches to solar power generation

Does Pakistan have solar power?

Solar power in Pakistan became part of the energy mix in 2013, following government policies aimed at supporting renewable energy development. Benefiting from nine and a half hours of sunlight daily, the country now has seven solar projects that contribute 530 MW to the national grid.

What are the major developments in the production of solar energy in Pakistan?

Another major development in terms of the production of solar energy in Pakistan is that the government has decided to install solar panels that will float on the waters of some of the major canals and dams in Pakistan to bring up the level of the overall contribution of alternative energy resources to country’s energy mix.

Is solar power a viable option in Pakistan?

The conventional sourced power, generators and expensive UPS Systems are not much affordable, so solar energy is the most viable option we have. The general public has already suffered a lot from increased electricity tariff and power cuts so some large-scale solar power plants need to be established in Pakistan.

Will Pakistan produce 60% of its electricity by 2030?

Last year, Prime Minister Imran Khan's government promised that Pakistan would produce 60% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This would require Pakistan to install around 24,000 megawatts of solar and wind power capacity by 2030, up from just over 1,500 megawatts now.

Why has Pakistan approved 2000 megawatts of solar power projects?

Pakistan government has approved 2000 megawatts of solar power projects in the public sector as the country is slowly transitioning toward renewable energy technologies.

Should Pakistan expand solar and wind power?

Solar and wind power should be urgently expanded to at least 30 percent of Pakistan’s total electricity generation capacity by 2030, equivalent to around 24,000 Megawatts. Expanding renewable energy can make electricity cheaper, achieve greater energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and help Pakistan save up to $5 billion over the next 20 years.