Empowering Communities: Battery Storage Revolutionizes Renewable Energy in Pakistan

Solar-wind

A recent study unveils the transformative potential of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) when integrated with solar and wind power, promising a substantial drop in electricity costs to as low as 6-8 cents per unit. Released under the title “Integrating Battery Storage with Renewables: A Techno-economic Analysis,” this study is a collaborative effort between Renewables First and the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development. The study’s insights showcase how this hybrid approach not only drives down costs but also extends energy access to remote communities beyond the national grid. At…

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Grid vs rooftop: the energy debate

solar-panel

Pakistan’s total electricity consumption, as measured in terms of sales, has decreased to 112.9 TWh in FY2023 from 124.6 TWh in FY2022 The recent hype and chaos around net-metering and the roof-top solar taxation fiasco has brought the power sector of Pakistan to the brink of another planning conundrum. Pakistan’s total electricity consumption, as measured in terms of sales, has decreased to 112.9 TWh in FY2023 from 124.6 TWh in FY2022. This 10 per cent decrease in electricity consumption is causing screens to flash red warning at the NTDC and…

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World Bank’s Ongoing Support for Energy Sector Reforms Applauded by Pakistani Ministers

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik and Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari recently met with Martin Raiser, South Asia Regional Vice President of the World Bank, to discuss ongoing reforms and support in the energy sector, as per a press release. During the meeting, both sides exchanged ideas on the reform agenda and highlighted the technical assistance provided by the World Bank to Pakistan. Dr. Malik expressed deep gratitude for the World Bank’s consistent support, particularly in structuring governance models and separating tariffs for different income groups. He…

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Saudi Manara Minerals Team Continues Talks on Reko Diq Mine Stake in Pakistan

Pakistan-Reko-Diq-mine

A delegation from Saudi Arabian mining company Manara Minerals is currently in Islamabad for ongoing discussions regarding acquiring a stake in Pakistan’s Reko Diq gold and copper mine, according to a Pakistan government document. The Reko Diq mine, located in Balochistan province, is recognized as one of the largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas globally, jointly owned by global mining company Barrick Gold Corp and Pakistan. The Manara Minerals executives are part of a broader Saudi delegation comprising investors and companies exploring investment opportunities in various sectors such as agriculture, mining, aviation,…

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Gas Crisis Hits Karachi’s Diplomatic Community

gas-project-katlang

The gas supply crisis in Karachi is impacting every segment of society, including the city’s diplomatic community. Iran’s Consul General in Karachi, Hassan Nourian, recently shared his experiences of facing gas challenges, highlighting the difficulty of cooking meals on some nights. Nourian discussed the energy needs of Pakistan and the long-delayed gas pipeline project between Iran and Pakistan during the Meet the Press program at the Karachi Press Club. He acknowledged the missed deadline for the project’s completion, citing political and technical reasons for the delays but also noting Pakistan’s…

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