Pakistan’s transition to renewable energy reached a major milestone in 2024, with solar power contributing over 14% of the country’s total electricity production — a remarkable increase from just 4% in 2021.
This surge makes solar energy the third-largest source of electricity in the country, overtaking coal for the first time.
The figures were shared during a high-level seminar highlighting Pakistan’s progress in green energy adoption, where experts praised the nation’s rapid embrace of solar technologies despite mounting economic and energy sector challenges.
Industry speakers revealed that Pakistan has now emerged as the sixth-largest solar market globally, marking its arrival as a key player in the international clean energy landscape. They attributed this growth to strong grassroots demand, decreasing solar equipment costs, and supportive government policies encouraging the shift to renewables.
“Pakistan’s transformation is not just a local success; it is a case study in how developing nations can lead the way in clean energy,” said one expert.
The event also spotlighted global solar research trends, including a presentation of the latest report by IPR Daily, which ranked Chinese firm Trinasolar as the global leader in perovskite solar cell technology patents. With 481 international patent filings, Trinasolar is at the forefront of the next generation of solar energy innovation.
Perovskite solar cells are hailed as a potential game-changer for the industry, with lab-tested efficiency levels reaching up to 43%, far surpassing current silicon-based panels. Although not yet commercially available, these advanced cells are expected to reduce costs and dramatically increase energy output in the future.
Trinasolar is also pioneering TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell technology, which is already in commercial use. The company ranks second globally in patent filings for TOPCon and solar module innovations.
Collaborating with leading academic institutions such as Fudan University in China, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and holding exclusive licences from the UK-based Oxford PV, Trinasolar is positioned to accelerate solar energy breakthroughs.
Speaking at the event, Gao Jifan, Chairman of Trinasolar, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“We will continue to invest in cutting-edge research and bring perovskite-silicon tandem technologies to market as quickly as possible,” Gao stated. “Our mission is to empower the global energy transition with smarter, more efficient solar solutions.”
As Pakistan continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, experts believe solar power will play an increasingly central role in ensuring energy security, climate resilience, and economic sustainability.
With international collaboration and cutting-edge technology at the core of its strategy, Pakistan is well on its way to becoming a regional leader in solar power generation and a global example of clean energy transformation.
