The regulation of solar power in Pakistan is primarily overseen by the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), which is responsible for facilitating and promoting the development of renewable energy sources, including solar power. AEDB is also responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies related to solar power generation, distribution, and consumption. In addition to AEDB, the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) also plays a crucial role in regulating solar power in the country. PEPCO is responsible for managing the country’s electricity distribution network and ensuring that solar power is integrated efficiently and effectively into the overall energy mix. Furthermore, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) regulates the tariff and pricing mechanisms for solar power generation. NEPRA sets the rates at which electricity generated from solar power sources can be sold to the national grid, which helps to incentivize the development of solar power projects in the country. Overall, the regulation of solar power in Pakistan is aimed at promoting the development of renewable energy sources and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The basic laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to solar power in Pakistan are as follows.
1. Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) Act, 2010: This act established the AEDB, which is responsible for promoting and developing alternative and renewable energy sources in Pakistan.
2. National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, 2016: This act aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation measures and sets targets for the reduction of energy consumption in Pakistan.
3. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Act, 1997: This act established NEPRA, which is responsible for regulating the power sector in Pakistan, including solar power projects. 4. Renewable Energy Policy, 2006: This policy outlines the government’s strategy for promoting renewable energy sources, including solar power, and provides incentives for their development.
5. Net Metering and Net Billing Regulations, 2015: These regulations provide a framework for the installation of solar power systems and the sale of excess electricity generated by them to the national grid.
6. Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy, 2019: This policy outlines the government’s updated strategy for promoting alternative and renewable energy sources, including solar power, and sets targets for their development.
7. Pakistan Solar Quality Passport: This is a certification scheme for solar power systems that meet certain quality standards.
8. Punjab Solar Energy Policy, 2019: This policy outlines the government’s strategy for promoting solar energy in the Punjab province and provides incentives for its development.
9. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Solar Energy Policy, 2019: This policy outlines the government’s strategy for promoting solar energy in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and provides incentives for its development.
These laws, policies, and regulations provide the legal framework for the development and promotion of solar power in Pakistan. They aim to increase the use of renewable energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable and environmentally friendly energy practices.
