Pakistan has emerged as the sixth-largest solar market in the world, underscoring its growing commitment to renewable energy, particularly solar power. A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights Pakistan’s potential to become a leader in solar adoption as the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions accelerates.

The country’s rapid embrace of solar energy is largely attributed to its geographic advantages, with most regions receiving over nine hours of sunlight daily. According to the World Bank, dedicating just 0.071% of Pakistan’s land to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems could satisfy the nation’s entire electricity demand, revealing significant untapped potential.

Despite this promise, renewable energy sources currently make up only 5.4% of Pakistan’s energy mix, which includes solar, wind, and biomass. The majority of the country’s electricity still depends on fossil fuels (63%) and hydropower (25%), as reported by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

The expansion of Pakistan’s solar market has been facilitated by favorable external conditions, notably the overproduction of solar panels in China. This surplus has reduced the cost of solar equipment, making Pakistan the third-largest importer of Chinese solar products. These affordable imports have strengthened the country’s solar infrastructure and supported its increasing reliance on renewable energy.

Longstanding inefficiencies in Pakistan’s energy sector have further accelerated the transition to solar power. Unreliable state-run energy providers, frequent power outages, and regulatory barriers have exacerbated the nation’s energy crisis, prompting individuals, businesses, and policymakers to turn to solar power as a practical and cost-effective solution.

Pakistan’s swift adoption of solar energy highlights its potential to become a leader in renewable energy, offering hope for a more sustainable and energy-secure future.