Moving towards solar

The power sector of Pakistan is in a shambles and authorities have called it a “black hole that is destroying the economy”. The government is incurring more and more debt from private power generating enterprises while also being unable to meet increasing energy demands. Imports of fuel and other raw materials for electricity production amounting to more than $12 billion are heavy on the national exchequer, and the situation has further worsened due to the rupee devaluation in turn hiking electricity prices for consumers. The only way forward is to dismantle this chaotic and inefficient system and slowly move towards renewable, eco-friendly means of producing energy.

There is one means in particular that stands out — Pakistan has the potential of producing 2.9 million MW of solar energy. It seems that the incumbent government has realised this as they expect to launch solar projects of 9,000 MW on a priority basis to ease burden on the power sector. Under this, solar systems will not only be given at discounted prices but incentives will also be given in terms of tax. In order to make this more sustainable in the long-run, the government can go a step further by introducing residential solar units and loaning them off to consumers. This will help citizens pay off the loan with ease through an installment plan, besides allowing the government to generate some revenue for reinvestment, and so on.

The country must also take advantage of the thousands of electrical engineers it produces and encourage experimentation at the university level. This will help build local infrastructure and enhance the power sector at the grassroots level. Resorting to fossil fuels is no longer a viable option for a densely populated country reeling from the effects of climate change.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2022.

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