BELEM: Pakistan is on track to witness rooftop solar generation surpassing daytime electricity demand on its grid in some major industrial regions next year, a senior government official told Reuters. This development reflects a rapid boom in solar panel installations that has cut emissions and lowered power bills for consumers, though it has strained debt-laden utilities due to reduced demand for grid electricity.
“Pakistan will experience negative grid-linked demand during certain daytime hours because behind-the-meter solar is offsetting grid consumption completely,” said Aisha Moriani, secretary of Pakistan’s climate change ministry, at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
Cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot, with high industrial activity and solar adoption, are expected to see these “negative-demand” events, particularly during bright summer afternoons, industrial holidays, and moderate temperature days. While countries in Europe and Australia occasionally experience negative electricity prices due to solar oversupply, Pakistan would become one of the first major emerging markets where rooftop solar could temporarily eliminate grid demand.
The country’s energy crisis, marked by power cuts and rising tariffs, has accelerated solar adoption, making Pakistan the world’s third-largest solar panel importer. Moriani noted that the challenge now is not renewable growth but adapting the grid, regulations, and market mechanisms to match the pace of solar expansion.
To address this, the government plans new tariffs for large solar users and adjustments in fee structures to ensure equitable contributions to grid maintenance. While Pakistan’s grid demand is expected to grow 3-4% this year, rooftop solar could moderate the impact next year, particularly in high-adoption regions.
The surge in solar use has also prompted Pakistan to renegotiate LNG contracts, including with Qatar, aiming for lower prices, flexible deliveries, and fewer cargoes. Moriani emphasized that the goal is to align gas imports with fiscal space and seasonal demand, prioritizing stability and affordability over increased LNG dependence.
This solar boom underscores Pakistan’s unprecedented energy transition, positioning the country as a notable case study in renewable adoption among emerging economies.
