Engr. Ahmed Godil of Emerging Green Solutions highlights the solar boom, energy storage innovations, and how renewables can lower costs and boost exports.
Pakistan has long relied on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas for power generation. However, the scenario is changing as the country gradually transitions toward renewable solutions. A noticeable boom is evident in solar adoption within the industry, alongside a growing shift toward wind energy.
Overall, Pakistan is increasingly focusing on solar power, which is both free and sustainable, and is emerging as the preferred source of electricity.
Approach Towards Renewables
There is a clear shift in approach toward solar energy. In the industrial sector, electricity generated from fossil fuels accounts for a significant portion of production costs. With the induction of solar power, these costs are reduced, thereby lowering the overall cost of products and making them more competitive in the market. This gives exporters a distinct advantage in international trade. The payback period of a solar plant is around one and a half years; after that, the plant generates free electricity. We are providing sustainable solutions that directly reduce per-unit production costs in industry.
Sustainability and the Environment
Technology has advanced significantly. Today, solar panels come with warranties of around 30 years, while inverters typically carry a 10-year warranty. Once the payback period is over, the system can continue generating power for decades, underscoring its sustainability and long-term benefits.
Storage Systems
The industry is also moving toward battery-based storage systems. Gas shortages have severely impacted industrial operations, particularly critical loads, leading to significant losses. To address this, batteries charged through renewable energy solutions are now being deployed. The per-unit cost of stored energy is lower, making it a practical and affordable solution for industry.
Era of Advanced Systems
Storage systems are becoming central to industrial energy management. The electricity stored in batteries can be used during non-solar hours or in the event of power breakdowns, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
Batteries and Storage Capacity
The duration of battery supply depends on the type of batteries used. Currently, most widely used battery storage systems discharge at 0.5C or 1C. However, we are developing an advanced solution capable of discharging at 2C. This means that if you have a 1 MW battery pack, it could potentially discharge up to 2 MW. After completing the testing phase, we will launch this solution across commercial, industrial, and residential segments.
