How much solar power does Pakistan have?

The World Bank reports that Pakistan possesses a solar power potential of 40 GW and has set a goal to achieve 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. To promote the use of solar energy, Pakistan has introduced incentives, including net metering and feed-in tariffs.

Which countries have solar plants in Pakistan?

The country has solar plants in Pakistani Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Initiatives are under development by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Chinese companies, and Pakistani private sector energy companies.

How much does solar cost in Pakistan?

This became apparent last year, when solar imports to Pakistan more than tripled from just one year earlier, approaching $2.1 billion, according to data from Renewables First, an energy and environment think tank in Islamabad.

How fast is solar adoption in Pakistan?

The speed of solar adoption in Pakistan has been unprecedented, says Jan Rosenow, leader of the energy program at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford. "The scale of solar being deployed in such a short period of time has not been seen, I think, anywhere ever before."

How has Pakistan regulated the solar industry?

The Pakistani government has already taken several steps to regulate the residential solar industry, including lowering the rate it pays for electricity that household solar setups produce. In June, the government also announced a 10% tax on imported solar panels into Pakistan — almost all of which come from China.

Why does Pakistan have a solar boom?

Pakistan's solar boom grows out of a decades-long power sector crisis, which has caused many Pakistanis to lose faith in the state's ability to consistently provide reliable electricity. The country has struggled to maintain its aging grid.