PAKISTAN WANTS SUN

Pakistan looks to grow solar energy resources with Suntech
October 16, 2009 (Cleantech Group)

"China’s crystalline silicon PV module manufacturer…Suntech Power Holdings…has signed a memorandum of understanding [MOU] with Pakistan's Alternative Energy Development Board [AEDB] to help grow the adoption of solar energy technologies to meet the energy shortage in Pakistan.

"The 12-member [collaboration of public and private sector companies is helping develop] national strategies and policies related to alternative energy resources [to meet the country’s energy shortage]."

Solar is just getting started in Pakistan. Has the Taliban pronounced on it yet? (click to enlarge)

"The crystalline silicon photovoltaic module manufacturer said…the objective [of the MOU] is to foster cooperation between Suntech and public and private sector companies in Pakistan to help them implement solar programs.

"Pakistan’s [AEDB] offers programs related to rural electrification, developing solar pumping systems with the World Bank, and solar power telecom projects with Pakistani telecom companies."

The potential is there. (click to enlarge)

"Pakistan had a 3,500 megawatt energy shortage that continues to grow, according to General Electric, which powered the country’s first sugarcane-waste biogas plant last year with its Jenbacher biogas engines for Pakistan's Shakarganj Mills. The 8 MW cogeneration plant in Jhang supports the sugarcane mill's on-site power and heating requirements…

"Suntech designs and delivers commercial and utility scale-solar power systems in China and the United States. Last month, it completed and connected a 10 MW utility-scale solar power project to the grid in China…The ground mounted project, located in Shizuishan, in western China’s Ningxia Autonomous Region, is [the] first phase of a 50 MW solar plant expected to be completed by 2011…"