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PSA joins govt for 60% renewable vision by 2030

Stresses need for local private sector to take leading role in financing these projects

Our Correspondent November 18, 2023

Officials suggested giving each house in far-off villages a solar panel, which would be cost effective and save investment in transmission lines, as connecting such remote areas to the national power grid was very costly. PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Solar Association (PSA) has pledged its commitment to collaborate with the government of Pakistan to achieve the ambitious goal of generating 60% renewable electricity by 2030. The announcement was made by PSA Chairman Amir Chaudhry at the ‘Lets Grow Together’ event on Friday.

Chaudhry expressed the association’s excitement, emphasising the importance of recent initiatives like the 10GW fast track projects launched by the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) and the energy ministry last year. He commended projects such as the solarisation of public buildings, tube wells, and 11kV feeders, each presenting significant potential exceeding 1,000 MW, 2,500 MW, and 2,000 MW, respectively.

Notably, Chaudhry stressed the need for local private sector companies to take a leading role in financing these projects, reducing dependence on foreign investors or donors. Former PSA Chairman Rana Abbas echoed this sentiment, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the government to ensure project success and actively contribute to additional initiatives supporting the national energy transition.

One of PSA’s primary targets is installing 4GW of solar capacity by 2024, translating to a remarkable 16 million kWh (units) of solar energy generated daily. This initiative aims at saving Rs800 million daily and an annual savings of almost Rs300 billion on electricity costs. The impact is expected to benefit 800,000 households, marking a significant move toward a sustainable and cost-effective energy future.

Read: PSA calls for continued support of net metering

Zakir Ali, Senior Vice Chairman of PSA, highlighted the diverse employment opportunities the solar industry provides, ranging from semi-skilled and low-skilled laborers to graduates and technicians involved in system design and deployment. He addressed challenges faced by the industry, including regular import and LCs issues, leading to unrest and disruptions across the business chain.

Muhammad Farhan, Former Chairman, underscored the need for skill enhancement among installers to improve installation quality. He stressed the importance of keeping solar panels clean and conducting periodic checkups to avoid mishaps. PSA expressed its willingness to collaborate with AEDB, NEPRA, and relevant authorities to find solutions for these challenges.

The PSA is confident that by working closely with the government and local stakeholders, the solar industry will play a pivotal role in propelling Pakistan toward a sustainable, clean energy future, fostering economic growth and job creation along the way.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2023.

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