[VIDEO]: How Solar Boom Can Lead To Power Blackout In Pakistan?

In January 2023, Pakistan experienced a nationwide power outage that left over 200 million people without power for almost a day. By 2024, the ‘energy crisis’ hit Pakistan, and is now the world’s sixth-largest solar market. So, what’s behind Pakistan’s solar boom? Is it really wide adoption of solar or expensive power bills?

A recent report published in the World Economic Forum, says the country imported 13 GW of Chinese modules in just the first half of 2024, which is expected to reach 22 GW by the end of 2024.

But unlike India, this rapid shift to solar is largely driven without active political will and policies. But, it is rather a product of external pressures, skyrocketing grid power tariffs and declining solar panel prices.

To put it in context, grid electricity tariffs have increased by 155% within the last three years in Pakistan, prompting many to switch to solar.

But this solar boom could cost a lot to the already crisis hit Pakistan.With more and more people abandoning the grid, the resulting decline could dent the pockets who are still connected to grid.Thus further, intensifying the burden of capacity payments and straining Pakistan’s finances.

Or even destabilize the grid. Hinting to a potential blackout, due to a solar boom.