Lahore: The Third Solar International Conference and Technology Awards were successfully held in Lahore, bringing together more than 350 industry professionals and experts from across Pakistan to discuss developments in solar energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and the future of renewable energy in the country.
The event was organised by Energy Update in collaboration with the Pakistan Solar Association (PSA) and the Renewable Energy Association of Pakistan (REAP).
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, who was the chief guest at the awards ceremony, emphasised the need for a comprehensive government policy to promote the local manufacturing of solar energy systems. He said that encouraging domestic production could generate millions of employment opportunities, provide affordable energy and help the country earn valuable foreign exchange.
Punjab Provincial Minister for Energy Faisal Ayub, the chief guest at the conference, assured participants of the Punjab government's support for the development of the solar energy sector and the commercial use of solar power in the province. Discussions also focused on the reported levy of four paisa per unit on commercial solar power use in Punjab.
Pakistan Solar Association President Adil Mahmood highlighted the contribution of solar energy to Pakistan's electricity supply, stating that solar power was providing approximately 40,000 megawatts of electricity. He also called for the removal of duties on batteries to encourage the adoption of battery energy storage systems and support the expansion of renewable energy.
Energy Update Managing Editor Naeem Qureshi said that solar energy had helped Pakistan save approximately US$6 billion and generated around two million employment opportunities. His remarks highlighted the sector's contribution to reducing energy costs, supporting economic activity and creating jobs.
Industry Experts Discuss Solar Energy and Storage
The conference featured panel discussions involving leading professionals from the renewable energy, power generation, energy storage and technology sectors.
The first panel included Dr. Naveed Arshad, Director of the LUMS Energy Institute; Altaf Hussain, Managing Director of the National Grid Company; Zohaib-ul-Haq, Technical Head of Growatt Pakistan; and Mian Fahad, Regional Head for South Asia at TBEA. Muhammad Zakir Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Inverex Solar Energy, also addressed the gathering.
The discussions focused on the development of solar energy, grid integration, technological advancements and the role of renewable energy in meeting Pakistan's growing electricity requirements.
The second panel was moderated by Dr. Jawaria Shakeel, Director of Sustainability at Assure International. Participants included Hussain Dewan of Dewan International; Joseph Cho, Director of C&I Energy Storage Pakistan; Muhammad Farhan, Chief Executive of Power Highway; Hasnat Khan, Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Solar Association; Maroof Zuberi of AESL; Mitchi, Chairman of Nippon Energy; and Joseph Vho of iTel Energy.
The panel examined developments in energy storage, commercial and industrial solar applications, and opportunities to strengthen Pakistan's renewable energy infrastructure.
Awards Presented to 30 Companies
The event concluded with Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan distributing awards to 30 prominent companies in recognition of their performance and contributions to the solar energy and renewable technology sectors.
The conference provided a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss policy challenges and explore opportunities for expanding solar energy adoption and local manufacturing in Pakistan.
The event also underscored the importance of supportive government policies, affordable energy storage solutions and collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing the country's renewable energy transition.
Disclaimer: This report is based on the information provided by the event organisers and supplied source material.
