The global energy crisis is striking Pakistan hard, causing prolonged power outages and an escalating shortage of liquefied natural gas, making solar energy a crucial lifeline for the country.
In Punjab province, many farmers have started replacing diesel with solar power because soaring energy prices have made diesel unaffordable. To survive and remain profitable, switching to solar panels is now the only option. Currently, solar systems have replaced diesel engines on their farms, lowering costs and reducing dependence on state electricity.
But the solar energy trend is no longer limited to agriculture. In major cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi, numerous homes and commercial buildings are increasingly installing rooftop solar panels.
Analysts say the growth of solar energy helps Pakistan cut billions of dollars in fuel imports and reduces the impact of global energy price volatility.
Khalid Walid, a researcher at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, said solar energy acts as a vital buffer for Pakistan’s energy sector, which explains why the country has avoided a more severe crisis than expected.
However, despite solar’s significant help, a key limitation is that it cannot generate electricity at night, so Pakistan still relies on LNG and coal power plants, especially during evening peak hours, most of which are imported.
From May to July, the summer months with the highest electricity demand, the country faces even greater risks during periods without sunlight.
Experts see the next step for Pakistan’s energy security as energy storage systems or batteries to store electricity produced during the day for use at night.
Kurram Dastgir, former Pakistani Energy Minister, said rapidly falling battery prices are changing the country’s energy game. Now it’s not only possible to install solar panels but also large batteries alongside them, allowing homes and businesses to have longer-lasting, cost-effective power. Amid ongoing global energy uncertainties, solar power is becoming not just an option but the nation’s survival strategy.
Source:channelnewsasia
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