Pakistan’s Solar Revolution Powers Forward at the Great Solar Rush Conference
Senator Sherry Rehman Urges Policy Reforms to Support Solar Revolution
Islamabad, January 30, 2025: Pakistan’s solar energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with communities and businesses increasingly adopting solar power, bypassing traditional grid systems. This transition, driven by both economic needs and environmental awareness, is propelling the country to the forefront of South Asia’s renewable energy market.
At the Great Solar Rush Conference 2025, hosted by Renewables First and the Pakistan Solar Association, industry leaders and policymakers discussed the nation’s unprecedented solar adoption and necessary steps to sustain its growth. See coverage on Sherry Rehman’s solar policy advocacy.
Policy Reform and Economic Drivers
Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to support this grassroots energy revolution. “Pakistan has emerged as a market leader in South Asia for solar adoption. We must ensure that we enable, not disable, this revolution,” she said, calling for alignment between national policy and growing solar demand.
Zeeshan Ashfaq, CEO of Renewables First, noted that the solar surge was economically driven. “Millions are adopting solar PV panels not due to government policy or climate awareness but because it simply makes sense,” he explained. Households, farmers, and businesses seek cheaper, more reliable energy as Pakistan’s traditional grid struggles with high costs. Supporting data is available in Renewables First publications.
Local Manufacturing and Solar Market Growth
Ali Majid, General Manager of Longi, highlighted the need to boost local manufacturing to capitalize on the solar boom, proposing that public sector projects prioritize domestically produced panels to attract international investment in assembly plants.
Waqas Moosa, Chairman of the Pakistan Solar Association, noted that Pakistan’s solar adoption is among the highest globally. However, he warned that inconsistent policies, such as potential net metering reductions, could destabilize the market. Grid integration remains a critical challenge, with Syed Faizan Ali Shah, Member of the Prime Minister’s Solarization Committee, stating that solar expansion has already reduced daytime electricity demand by 10 TWh annually, creating grid imbalances.
Smart Grid Solutions and Regulatory Reform
Dr. Fiaz Chaudhary, Chairman of NTDC, highlighted outdated energy regulations and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for smarter grid solutions to handle decentralized renewable generation. He advocated for smart meters and distributed energy controls in line with Renewables First’s data analytics initiatives.
The conference stressed market reforms to enable a competitive electricity sector. Salman Amin of the Competition Commission of Pakistan argued that a competitive electricity market through the CTBCM would improve resource allocation, innovation, and cleaner energy solutions. Delays in reforms, however, have left Pakistan trailing global markets by over 30 years. More details on market reforms are available at Renewables First news.
Industry participants noted that lowering high wheeling charges under the CTBCM model could encourage market participation, but outdated policies and vested interests remain obstacles.
Dr. Nafisa Shah, Member of the National Assembly, called for gradual power market liberalization while addressing past contracts and capacity payments. She emphasized balancing reforms with grid improvements to ensure a fair transition, as detailed in Renewables First – Power Market.
Global Recognition and Conclusion
Closing the event, Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, applauded Pakistan’s solar growth, stating, “Pakistan was the market that surprised so many globally,” recognizing its significant contribution to worldwide solar expansion.
The conference concluded that Pakistan’s solar revolution is unstoppable, but its long-term success depends on modernizing energy policies, infrastructure, and market systems. The push for a smart, decentralized, and competitive energy sector has never been more critical. Additional insights are available at Renewables First Insights.
Original article: Factfile.pk