Business Recorder
FAISALABAD: Representatives of the textile industry have called on the government to actively support a faster transition to green energy, particularly by encouraging solar adoption to reduce pressure on the national grid and address seasonal demand fluctuations. Speaking at a seminar titled “Deliberating on the Impact of Prosumer Regulations, Tariff Structure and War Crisis on Energy Security and Sustainable Industrial Growth in Pakistan,” participants noted that the shift from net metering to net billing may discourage industrial solar investment and push businesses towards costly battery energy storage systems (BESS) instead of more viable tariff solutions. Industry stakeholders also expressed concerns over policy uncertainty, including slow progress on power sector reforms such as CTBCM and ISMO, and showed limited optimism regarding energy privatization. They stressed that uninterrupted and affordable energy remains essential for Pakistan to stay competitive with regional textile exporters like India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The seminar, organized by Alternate Development Services (ADS) in collaboration with Green Growth Alliance (GGA) and Green Corporate Alliance (GCA), highlighted that the ongoing regional energy crisis has reinforced the urgency of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and accelerating renewable energy adoption. ADS CEO Amjad Nazeer emphasized the need for timely and consistent energy policies, warning that delays could undermine economic gains. Experts noted that recent regulatory changes have altered the investment landscape for industrial solar users, calling for a balanced policy framework that supports both grid stability and industrial growth. Dr Syed Ali Abbas Kazmi of NUST highlighted structural issues in Pakistan’s energy sector, noting that rising tariffs, high financing costs, and policy inconsistencies are increasing risks for industry while reducing returns on investment. He warned that without reforms, industrial growth could slow further. Pakistan Solar Association representative Ali Ahsan said that solar growth will continue in the country, as it has been in the last 5 years, despite the government’s uncertain tariff and regulatory decisions, as people no more trust in the government for the smooth and affordable transmission and supply of the power. Panellists, including representatives from textile industry, academia, and industrial bodies, called for the establishment of a national carbon accounting system and stronger industry-academia collaboration to improve data quality and support decarbonisation efforts. They also emphasized linking industrial zones with renewable energy parks and promoting indigenous solutions. Experts further noted that global compliance requirements, including carbon regulations, are becoming essential for maintaining access to international markets. They stressed that solarisation, energy efficiency, and supply chain compliance are no longer optional but necessary for business survival. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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