KARACHI: Three solar power projects have approached National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) seeking tariff for their generation facilities of a cumulative 130 MW being developed with a cumulative investment of $115 million, document said.[the_ad id=”31605″]Asia Energy Pvt Ltd has sought a 25-year levelized tariff of Rs6.8505/kWh for their 30 MW solar plant being setup in Bhawalnagar, Punjab. Enertech Quetta Solar Pvt Ltd has sought a 25-year levelized tariff of Rs8.7387/kWh for their 50 MW solar plant being setup in Pishin, Baluchistan. Similarly, Enertech Bostan Solar Pvt Ltd has sought a 25-year levelized tariff of Rs8.7387/kWh for their 50 MW solar plant being setup in Pishin, Baluchistan.
NEPRA will hold public hearing on March 230, 2019 to consider the tariff petition of Asia Energy while tariff petitions of Enertech will be considered at the hearing scheduled for March 26, 2019.
Conventional thermal plants (oil, natural gas coal) account for 64.4 percent of Pakistan’s capacity, with hydroelectricity making up 30.70 percent and nuclear 4.90 percent.
Pakistan’s huge energy crisis is jeopardizing its economic progress and social development. The major reasons for the energy crises are the lack of investment in power sector in the past, non-development of renewable energy sector i.e. hydel, wind & solar etc. and the depleting oil & gas reserves.
It is imperative for Pakistan to look for indigenous and cheap energy resources for sustainable growth through self-reliance. One of the utilizable resources in the short term is solar power generation. Although it is a new technology in Pakistan, it has a proven track record globally and is recognized as a commercially viable technology.
With over 227 GW installed capacity around the globe and over 17.2 GW of installed capacity in India and China alone, the case for development of solar energy in Pakistan is very strong.