Author: Admin

Meta Seeks Nuclear Power Developers to Meet AI and Environmental Goals

Admin
Meta-Project

Meta, the tech giant, is inviting proposals from nuclear power developers to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of U.S. nuclear generation capacity by the early 2030s. This move aligns with the company’s efforts to address rising electricity demand for artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. “Nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in transitioning to a cleaner, more reliable, and diversified electric grid,” Meta stated. The company’s initiative reflects broader trends, with U.S. data center power demand projected to triple by 2030, requiring 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity, according to…

Read More

PM Directs Resolution of Refinery Upgrade Tax Issue Within Two Weeks

Admin
Petroleum-Sector

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Petroleum Division to resolve the impasse over the Brownfield Policy, aimed at upgrading local refineries to produce Euro-V standard petrol and diesel, within two weeks. The directive comes amidst delays in implementing the sales tax exemption critical to the policy’s success. The issue, a contentious budgetary measure from the FY25 Finance Bill, is essential for securing $5-6 billion in refinery sector investments. The Prime Minister’s Office has also asked the Petroleum Division to present concrete options to address the situation. The Special…

Read More

KE Cuts Power to Railways Over Unpaid Bills; Railways Cites Rs70 Billion in Dues

Admin
K-Electric

KARACHI: The power utility company, K-Electric (KE), disconnected electricity to Pakistan Railways (PR) on Tuesday over unpaid bills amounting to Rs430 million since May 2024, disrupting key operations, including the online ticketing and signal systems for 38 daily passenger trains from Karachi. In its statement, KE stressed the unsustainability of continuing supply without payment and highlighted repeated defaults despite prior accommodations. “Notices and disconnections have been issued before, but undertakings by railway authorities to clear dues and pay monthly bills have been consistently dishonored,” KE stated. The utility warned that…

Read More

EV Industry Pushes for Policy Reforms to Boost Adoption in Pakistan

Admin
Electric-Vehicle

KARACHI: Electric vehicle (EV) motorbike assemblers and dealers in Pakistan are urging the federal government and the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to adopt critical policy reforms under the upcoming New Energy Vehicle (NEV) policy. Their charter of demands includes tax exemptions, free registration for customers, accessible financing options, and localisation incentives to reduce costs and accelerate growth in the NEV sector. With nearly 40 EV motorbike brands entering the market and monthly sales reaching 3,000 units, the government aims to increase EV bike market share to 30%, targeting 500,000 units…

Read More

Pakistan’s Oil Sales Hit 25-Month High Amid Crackdown on Smuggling and Price Cuts

Admin
Oil prices

KARACHI: Pakistan’s petroleum sales surged to a 25-month high in November 2024, reaching 1.58 million tonnes, marking a 15% year-on-year (YoY) increase. This growth, driven by stringent enforcement against smuggled Iranian fuel and significant reductions in petrol and diesel prices, underscores the recovery of the energy market and highlights the effectiveness of recent policy interventions. A report by Arif Habib Limited (AHL), released on December 3, 2024, attributes the rise to intensified restrictions on smuggled fuel, particularly from Iran, which previously comprised 15-20% of the domestic market. Tahir Abbas, Head…

Read More