Gharibwal Cement Boosts Renewable Energy with New Solar Power System

Gharibwal Cement Limited has made substantial progress in sustainable energy adoption by successfully launching an additional 12.5-megawatt (MW) solar power system at its facility.

The publicly traded firm, which specializes in cement production and sales, communicated this advancement in a notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday.

The notice stated, “We are pleased to inform the PSX and stakeholders that Gharibwal Cement Limited has effectively finished the setup and activation of a supplementary 12.5 MW solar power system at our plant site.”

Pakistan’s Solar Expansion Continues Amidst Proposed Tax

The cement manufacturer announced that this added capacity has been incorporated into the company’s pre-existing 12MW solar setup, thus increasing the total installed solar power capacity to 24.5MW.

“The additional 12.5MW solar power system began its commercial operations on June 16, 2025, and is currently contributing to the company’s internal energy demands.

“This calculated investment corresponds with the company’s sustainability goals and its strategy to optimize long-term energy costs by boosting reliance on renewable energy sources, lessening dependence on fossil fuels, and supporting environmental preservation,” the statement further noted.

Despite its status as a developing nation facing economic and social difficulties, Pakistan is undergoing a green transition, quietly becoming a prominent global market in the expanding solar sector.

According to the Global Electricity Review 2025 by Ember, a UK-based energy think tank, Pakistan imported 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels in 2024, securing its position among the leading solar nations.

This increasing pattern has prompted policymakers to consider its consequences for the national grid and energy industry, especially as electricity consumption remains relatively constant.

In response, the federal government revealed intentions in its financial plan for 2025-26 on Tuesday to impose an 18% sales tax on imported solar panels.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated during his budget address to the National Assembly that the proposed tax would aid the growth of the domestic industry.

This development unfolds amidst a solar surge in the nation, with net-metering capacity in Pakistan soaring to 2,813 megawatts (MW) as of March 31, 2025, as indicated by the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, which was also released on Monday.