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Pakistan’s Power Capacity Rises to 49,651 MW as Rooftop Solar Surges

Rapid rooftop solar growth reshapes Pakistan's grid, cutting thermal reliance, triggering IPP closures, shifting fuel use to Thar coal and imported LNG.

Overview

  • The Pakistan Economic Survey released Thursday reported installed capacity at 49,651 MW, an 8.5% jump driven mainly by 7,319 MW of solar added under net‑metering.
  • Hydel, nuclear and renewables supplied 53.1% of generation during July–March FY2026, marking a clear move away from thermal plants and reducing thermal's share of the mix.
  • Thirteen commissioned IPPs with 5,105 MW of capacity have been closed, including nine residual‑fuel oil plants (2,877 MW), three gas/RLNG plants (601 MW) and one multi‑fuel plant (1,638 MW).
  • Total electricity consumption rose 3.8% to 83,143 GWh while household use fell to 47.5%, industry climbed to 31.5%, and agricultural grid use plunged 42.3% as farmers shift to solar or diesel amid higher tariffs.
  • Supply adjustments include five Thar coal plants (3,300 MW) now online, two FSRUs giving 1,200 MMCFD RLNG capacity, and a PPIB pipeline weighted to renewables and hydropower, a mix that aims to ease import exposure and improve affordability.