Scrutiny Mounts Over Coal Imports for Power Plants Amid Pricing Concerns

New-coal

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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The net metering dead end

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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CCP Greenlights Merger in Thermal Power Sector

power-subsidy

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 Urges CPPA-G to Settle Rs 32 Billion Debt by Month-End

thar-coal-power

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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PPIB Proposes 10% Duty on Solar PV Module Imports for a Decade

solar-panel

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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CM Gandapur Urges Federal Government to Clear Hydel Power Profit Arrears for KP

CM-Gandapur

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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President Zardari Calls for Global Action on Climate Change and Green Investment

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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Pakistan Extends Invitation to Swiss Investment in Renewable Energy and IT Sectors

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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Pakistan’s Balancing Act: Encouraging Solar Adoption Amid Grid Challenges

solar-panel

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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Pakistan Seeks Chinese Support for Hydropower Projects and Energy Investment

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is actively engaging with Chinese leadership to revive over 1800 megawatts of hydropower projects (HPPs) and attract fresh investment from Chinese companies in the country’s transmission and distribution network. This effort is part of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed at bolstering energy infrastructure and collaboration. Efforts are underway to convene a meeting…

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