
Workers install solar panels on the rooftop of a business on June 30, 2025 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Photo Credit: Betsy Joles for NPR
Environment PakistanHere, Solar Power Surges Past Coal and Nuclear
Solar energy now generates a quarter of Pakistan’s electricity, surpassing coal and nuclear in a milestone shift toward clean power.
“Solar is now producing almost 45% more electricity than hydropower,” one analyst noted, underscoring how far renewables have come in a short time.
In just a few years, solar’s share jumped from 4% in 2021 to over 25% in the first four months of 2025, one of the fastest growth rates in Asia. Imports of solar modules surged more than fivefold, from 3,500 MW in 2022 to 16,600 MW in 2024, with over 10,000 MW imported in early 2025 alone. At this pace, Pakistan is on track to reach its goal of generating 60% of electricity from renewables by 2030. This shift isn’t only helping households escape power shortages. It’s also cementing solar’s role at the heart of Pakistan’s energy future.