Solar panel prices in Pakistan have seen a significant drop of 15% to 25% due to a surge in imports and an abundance of supply compared to demand. Faisal Bawani, a prominent importer of leading solar panel brands, revealed that prices per watt have decreased by Rs7 to Rs13 over the last four months, thanks to a substantial increase in…
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As electricity affordability impacts demand and consumers look beyond the national grid, the procurement of imported coal for power generation is under scrutiny. Despite overarching policies favoring localization and import substitution, power plants are leaning towards long-term coal imports. This shift, facilitated by streamlined spot imports, has halved coal prices, raising questions about transparency and market dynamics. Former caretaker power…
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LET’S start with putting a couple of undue misapprehensions to rest. I have had the opportunity of interacting with key decision-makers in the power bureaucracy and they assure me of two things. First, solar panels installed in people’s homes are not going to be taxed. Second, the net metering rate at which power utilities buy electricity back from consumers is…
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The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval for a merger within the thermal power sector. The sanctioned transaction involves M/s. Whistler Enterprises (Private) Limited (WEL) acquiring a 20.97% stake in M/s. Orient Power Company (Private) Limited (OPCOL). WEL, a newly established private limited company in Pakistan, specializes in power generation businesses and related services. On the other hand,…
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Engro Powergen Thar Limited (EPTL) has urgently requested Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) to clear at least Rs 32 billion in outstanding payments by the end of this month. This appeal aims to prevent a default on upcoming debt obligations, according to reliable sources. EPTL’s plea to CPPA-G comes at a crucial juncture as Minister for Planning, Development, and Special…
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The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has recommended imposing a 10 percent duty on the import of solar PV modules for the next 10 years and beyond. This proposal aims to boost domestic manufacturing of PV panels, as per sources familiar with the matter. The proposal, part of the “Solar Panel & Allied Equipment Manufacturing Policy 2024” draft, suggests…
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Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emphasized the critical need for the federal government to settle the outstanding arrears in hydel power profits owed to the province. Addressing key priorities of his administration, he highlighted efforts to tackle the energy crisis and maintain law and order during a press conference. Gandapur encouraged citizens to consider starting livestock businesses…
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In a recent meeting with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and COP29 president-designate, Mukhtar Babayev, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the urgent need for global collaboration to combat climate change. He highlighted the importance of adopting green technologies, promoting afforestation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address environmental challenges effectively. President Zardari noted that climate change is impacting…
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SLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended a warm invitation to Swiss companies to invest in Pakistan, focusing particularly on the renewable energy and IT sectors. This invitation came during a courtesy meeting with Ambassador of Switzerland Georg Steiner at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s strong interest in bolstering ties…
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KARACHI – Pakistan’s government finds itself in a delicate position, aiming to promote renewable energy, particularly solar power, while grappling with constrained grid capacity and economic challenges. The government’s recent consideration to reduce buyback rates for net-metering electricity has sparked debates regarding the balance between incentivizing solar installations and managing grid constraints. The introduction of net-metering was a significant move…
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