Highlights:
- The University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, will bring the country's first locally manufactured solar modules to market.
- During the summer, Pakistan's electricity demand reaches 20,000 MW and the inability to meet the demand results in blackouts.
Pakistan is preparing to increase the production and use of renewable energy to alleviate electricity shortages. To this end, the country's government has proposed abolishing taxes related to the manufacture of solar and wind power plants in the country. The University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, will bring the country's first locally manufactured solar modules to market.
The university will shortly begin production of third generation solar power modules. Dr. Najeeb Ullah, Head of Research at UET, said: “We are starting our production and will shortly be delivering our first order to generate 2 MW of power.”
Dr. Najeeb notes that Pakistan currently generates 6 percent of its total electricity from wind and solar projects, but the solar panels used to generate power are imported and are not as effective as those used by the University's Center for Advanced Studies in Energy.
According to the International Energy Agency, a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organization, Pakistan's total energy consumption is projected to exceed 49,000 MW by 2025 due to population growth. Currently, Pakistan's average energy requirement is 19,000 MW compared to a generation of around 15,000 MW. In summer the demand reaches 20,000 MW. Due to faulty networks and distribution systems as well as a demand for electricity that exceeds production, citizens are exposed to frequent blackouts and blackouts.
Dr. Najeeb claims that the locally made solar panels will reduce electricity production costs. “The panels that are used to generate electricity cost around Rs. 60 per watt. We will produce AAA quality power panels that will bring the production cost to Rs. 48 per watt and eventually to Rs. 10 per watt, ”he said.
Last month, the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) urged the Pakistani government to take action to manufacture solar panels in Pakistan and facilitate large competent private sector parties to set up plants in collaboration with their Chinese partners. Not only are solar modules affordable, they also have an extended lifespan of 15 to 20 years.