Consultative Session on “Shaping the Future of PV Panels Manufacturing in Pakistan: Assessing Challenges, Barriers and Opportunities”
US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E), NUST recently hosted a collaborative consultative session on “Shaping the Future of PV Panels Manufacturing in Pakistan: Assessing Challenges, Barriers and Opportunities.” The panelists represented LUMS Energy Institute (LEI), Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), Private Power and Infrastructure Broad (PPIB), China Study Center (CSC-NUST), MaxPower Private Ltd., LONGI Solar, Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) and HBL Investment Wing.
The session facilitated a comprehensive discussion on critical topics essential to shaping the future of PV panel manufacturing in Pakistan. The panelists delved into the latest technological advancements in solar panel manufacturing, PV testing facilities, project financing, policy implementation strategies, and investment opportunities within the solar PV manufacturing industry. Dr Adeel Waqas, Principal & Dean of USPCAS-E, NUST, initiated the session by emphasising proactive measures to overcome barriers and harness collaborative efforts to drive growth in PV panel manufacturing in Pakistan.
Dr Faiz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director LEI and a renowned energy expert, delivered a comprehensive talk on Pakistan’s energy landscape, shedding light on the critical gaps between demand and supply. He emphasised the need for indigenous manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports and boost industrial growth. Dr. Afzal Hussain Kamboh, Deputy DG – PCRET, also underlined Pakistan’s energy consumption gap and advocated for comprehensive solutions.
Dr Aqeel Jaffri, Director Policy – AEDB, PPIB, highlighted the need for stable government policies to attract investment in local PV manufacturing ventures in Pakistan. Ms Scarlet, CSC-NUST underscored recommendations, including the relocation of factories from China to Pakistan and the establishment of vocational training programmes. Mr Osman Muhammad, Product Manager, LONGI Solar, discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the company in the Pakistani market.
Mr Ammar Yasir, representative – PFAN, expressed concerns over policy approval delays impacting investment prospects, particularly due to subsidies on imported end products, illustrating the critical role of financing and technology guarantees.
Mr Saad Tariq Siddiqui, DGM & Unit Head – HBL Investment Wing, highlighted HBL’s interest in various financing avenues, including capital markets, green financing, and project financing, emphasising the importance of evaluating feasibility, growth potential, and the necessity of major power projects.