WAPDA Slashes Floating Solar Project Cost to 2.98 Cents per Unit Over 30 Years

solar-panels

ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has lowered the cost of its proposed 300 MW floating solar project to 2.98 cents per unit for 30 years, aligning the initiative with Pakistan’s Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) for 2024-34. Initially facing uncertainty due to its high costs and potential conflict with IGCEP’s least-cost generation principle, the project has undergone significant revisions. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reviewed WAPDA’s proposal and emphasized adherence to laws prioritizing cost-effective energy solutions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif…

Read More

Senate Panel Criticizes Government for Worsening Gas Crisis

solar-panel

ISLAMABAD: A Senate committee meeting on Thursday saw sharp criticism of the government over the ongoing gas crisis, citing poor coordination and mismanagement as key factors behind an oversupply in some areas and shortages for consumers elsewhere. The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, led by Senator Umar Farooq, expressed frustration over delays in addressing critical issues, including the vacant position of Director General for Petroleum Concessions (DGPC). The committee decided to reconvene with the petroleum minister present to ensure accountability. During the meeting, Additional Secretary Petroleum, Momin Agha, revealed that…

Read More

Trina Solar Achieves 27.08% Efficiency Milestone with Advanced HJT Solar Cell

solar-pannel

Trina Solar has set a new global benchmark by achieving 27.08% efficiency for its n-type fully passivated heterojunction (HJT) solar cell, verified by the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH). The breakthrough leverages Trina Solar’s advanced thin-film passivation technology, featuring 210mm×105mm half-cut, phosphorus-doped n-type silicon wafers crafted using the Czochralski process. Enhanced rear-side passivation, optimized multi-frequency RF doping for microcrystalline systems, and ultra-fine line printing technologies contributed to this remarkable advancement in optical and electrical efficiency. “This achievement underscores our commitment to innovation in passivated contact cells and…

Read More

OMCs Seek PM’s Urgent Intervention to Avert Industry Collapse

PETROLEUM

LAHORE: The Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to urgently address critical challenges threatening the petroleum sector’s stability and survival. In a letter to the PM, OMAP Chairman Tariq Wazir emphasized the dire state of the industry, citing prolonged inaction on key issues. He warned that the neglect of oil marketing companies (OMCs), especially emerging players, jeopardizes competition, innovation, and energy security. “The petroleum sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and its collapse would have catastrophic consequences for energy security and economic…

Read More

Dar-led Committee to Devise Strategy for Power Tariff Reduction

electricty

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a seven-member committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, to develop a strategy for reducing power tariffs by lowering taxes in alignment with discussions held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The committee comprises Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Secretary Power Dr. Muhammad Fakhr e Alam Irfan, Secretary Petroleum Momin Agha, and Chairman FBR Rashid Langrial. Key considerations include reducing taxes from January to June 2025, which could result in an…

Read More