Representatives of Pakistan’s textile sector have urged the government to accelerate the transition to green energy by promoting industrial solar adoption to relieve pressure on the national grid and manage seasonal demand swings. The call came during a seminar in Faisalabad on 16 April where industry, academia and energy experts examined the implications of recent regulatory changes.
Participants warned that the shift from net metering to net billing risks discouraging industrial solar investment and could push manufacturers toward costly battery energy storage systems rather than practical tariff-based solutions. They said the change has materially altered the investment landscape for industrial solar and raised questions about project viability.
Speakers flagged broader policy uncertainty and slow progress on key power sector reforms, including CTBCM and ISMO, and expressed limited optimism about energy privatisation. Industry leaders stressed that uninterrupted and affordable energy supply is essential for Pakistan to remain competitive with textile exporters such as India, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
The seminar was organised by Alternate Development Services in collaboration with Green Growth Alliance and Green Corporate Alliance. Amjad Nazeer, CEO of ADS, urged timely and consistent energy policies, warning that delays and mixed signals could jeopardise recent economic gains and investor confidence in industrial solar projects.
Dr Syed Ali Abbas Kazmi of NUST highlighted structural challenges in the energy sector, noting that rising tariffs, high financing costs and policy inconsistencies increase business risk and reduce returns on investment. He cautioned that without meaningful reform, industrial growth could decelerate further.
Ali Ahsan from the Pakistan Solar Association said that despite regulatory uncertainty and tariff concerns, solar adoption has continued over the past five years and is likely to persist as businesses seek reliable alternatives to an unreliable grid. He observed that many consumers no longer rely on the state for smooth and affordable transmission and supply.
Panelists urged the establishment of a national carbon accounting system and stronger collaboration between industry and academia to improve data quality and support decarbonisation. They recommended linking industrial zones to renewable energy parks, promoting indigenous solutions and designing balanced policies that support both grid stability and industrial growth.
Experts also noted that global compliance requirements, including carbon regulations, are increasingly critical for maintaining access to international markets. They said solarisation, energy efficiency and supply chain compliance are now essential components of competitiveness and business survival for textile exporters.
The seminar concluded with broad agreement that promoting renewable energy, particularly industrial solar, is key to reducing costs, meeting global environmental standards and strengthening Pakistan’s export competitiveness. Stakeholders urged policymakers to create a stable regulatory environment that enables scalable industrial solar investment.
