LAHORE  -  Amid the global push for cli­mate action and reduced green­house gas emissions, Pakistan faces a critical juncture in its energy landscape. The focus on coal and fuel in electricity gen­eration comes under scrutiny, prompting a re-evaluation of the nation’s energy policies. With the urgent need to balance im­mediate energy requirements and long-term sustainability goals, Pakistan must navigate a complex path towards a cleaner and greener future.

In Pakistan’s quest for a sus­tainable energy future, the Paki­stan Solar Association (PSA) has been playing a pivotal role in this transformation. As a rep­resentative body for the solar industry of the country, the PSA, under the leadership of its Pres­ident Amir Chaudhry, has been instrumental in advocating for clean energy policies, fostering collaboration, and driving inno­vations to harness the country’s solar potential.

“Recent developments high­light the conversion of thermal power plants to Thar coal, rais­ing questions about the nation’s commitment to cleaner energy. While extending the life of aging power plants aligns with finan­cial considerations, it challenges the pursuit of sustainable en­ergy sources. A comprehensive energy policy must prioritize re­newables, focusing on solar and hydropower, given Pakistan’s geographical advantages,” says Amir Chaudhry, PSA President.

The PSA has been actively engaging with policymakers to shape the regulatory land­scape in favour of clean energy. The association has been the lead advocate for policies that incentivize the adoption of so­lar energy, address regulatory challenges, and create a con­ducive environment for invest­ment in the sector.

Working closely with govern­ment agencies, the PSA has been providing insights and recom­mendations for the develop­ment of a comprehensive energy policy. By leveraging its exper­tise and industry knowledge, the association has been the main contributor to the formulation of policies that prioritize renew­able energy sources, particularly solar and hydropower.

Recognizing the importance of public awareness and educa­tion in fostering the adoption of solar energy, the PSA has been conducting awareness cam­paigns, arranging seminars, and workshops to educate the pub­lic about the benefits of solar power. By dispelling myths and addressing misconceptions, the PSA aims to create a more in­formed and receptive society.

Through collaboration with educational institutions, the as­sociation has been promoting the inclusion of solar energy top­ics in academic curricula. This proactive approach ensured that the younger generation is well-versed in the advantages of clean energy, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The PSA understands the significance of collaboration within the solar industry. The association serves as a platform for industry stakeholders to come together, share insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions. By fostering a collab­orative ecosystem, the PSA ac­celerates the development and adoption of cutting-edge tech­nologies in solar energy.

In collaboration with research institutions and private enter­prises, the association supports initiatives aimed at improving solar efficiency, storage capa­bilities, and overall system re­liability. This commitment to innovation positions Pakistan as a leader in the global solar landscape.

Recognizing that the success­ful transition to clean energy requires a skilled workforce, the PSA actively engages in ca­pacity-building initiatives. The association collaborates with vocational training institutes to develop programs that equip individuals with the necessary skills for the solar industry.

By promoting certifications and training programs, the PSA ensures that there is a pool of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the growing solar sector. This emphasis on capac­ity building not only addresses the industry’s workforce needs but also empowers individuals to participate in the clean en­ergy revolution.

The PSA actively seeks inter­national collaboration to learn from global best practices and experiences. By establishing partnerships with international solar associations, the PSA fa­cilitates knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the adoption of best practices in the Pakistani context.

The association’s participa­tion in international confer­ences, forums, and exhibitions allows it to showcase Pakistan’s potential in solar energy and learn from successful initiatives implemented in other countries. This collaborative approach en­hances the country’s position in the global clean energy arena.

“Solar energy has emerged as a game-changer. The World Resources Institute notes that the energy sector contributes over 75% to global greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the need for sustainable alterna­tives. Pakistan’s favourable so­lar conditions, with an average of 300 sunny days per year, po­sition it as a prime candidate for solar energy adoption. Policy re­forms are essential to foster lo­cal production and investment in the solar industry. Removing taxes on materials used for lo­cal panel assembly creates a level playing field, encouraging competitiveness and attracting investment. By bridging the en­ergy gap, solar panels empower rural communities, improving the quality of life, supporting education, and enabling bet­ter economic activities,” says Waqas Moosa, Member of Cen­tral Executive Committee, PSA.

The PSA is committed to cham­pioning inclusive and sustainable energy solutions. Recognizing the importance of decentralized energy access, particularly in re­mote and off-grid areas, the as­sociation actively promotes the deployment of solar microgrids and home systems.

By advocating for policies that support off-grid solar so­lutions, the PSA is a staunch advocate of rural electrification to improve the quality of life in underserved communities. This inclusive approach aligns with global sustainable development goals and ensures that the ben­efits of clean energy reach all segments of society.

“Pakistan’s ambitious targets aim for 60% electricity pro­duction from renewables and hydropower by 2030, requir­ing significant investments. The focus on hydropower, with an estimated investment of $20 bil­lion, aligns with social and envi­ronmental benefits, including improved water quality and re­duced groundwater contamina­tion,” says Jibran Javed, Member of PSA’s Executive Committee.

Pakistan stands at a cross­roads, facing challenges in its energy journey. By prioritizing solar energy, implementing in­novative financing mechanisms, and enacting policy reforms, the nation can transition to a sustainable and greener future. The adoption of solar panels and related innovations can em­power citizens, mitigate climate change impacts, and reduce de­pendence on fossil fuels, mark­ing a significant step towards a brighter and cleaner future.

The Pakistan Solar Associa­tion has emerged as a driving force in the country’s transi­tion to clean and sustainable energy. Through advocacy, public awareness, industry col­laboration, capacity building, and international engagement, the PSA is determined to con­tributing significantly to shap­ing policies and fostering an environment conducive to so­lar energy adoption.

The PSA has a solar-powered future vision which aligns with Pakistan’s ambitious targets for renewable energy. As the PSA continues to play a central role in promoting clean energy, the nation stands poised to har­ness its solar potential, reduce its carbon footprint, and pave the way for a brighter, sustain­able future. Through the collec­tive efforts of the PSA and other stakeholders, Pakistan can truly become a shining example in the global clean energy landscape.