Sale of affordable China-made solar systems has surged in the electronic markets of Gwadar during more than one month. The development has not only been driving a boost in the earning of shopkeepers but also offering a stable relief to the residents from long-hour power loadshedding in the wake of Gulf energy crisis that has battered Pakistan severely.

According to a Gwadar Pro's report, "During the March and ongoing month of April, sales of inexpensive and high-quality solar systems in my store have increased by about 60 percent, as well as revenue has been on an upward trend.

Chinese brands are particularly popular because they are good value for money compared to other costly foreign brands in the Gwadar region," said Muhammad Baloch running business at Dashti market, one and only trading hub of electronics and solar systems in the Gwadar city.

"Chinese brands have an adequate supply of high-quality solar panels, equipment, kits and batteries in our local market, so sales growth is an inevitable trend, he added.

Noor Muhammad, another shopkeeper claimed that in January and February sale of China-made solar systems ranged between Rs 0.2 million and 0.3 million but it ballooned to Rs 1 million in March and till April 20.

In previous years, the Chinese government donated a batch of solar systems to the Gwadar region, and the public feedback was very good, so the public's tendency to choose to buy solar panels and systems has also shown an astonishing growth momentum," he maintained.

Majid Baloch, shopkeeper at the Airport Road Market, agreed. "By using solar energy to power their homes, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the unstable grid and significantly reduce their monthly utility bills."

Years back, solar panels, batteries and operating systems were not available in these markets.

After China announced to popularize solar systems among the neediest sections of society in Gwadar, the people of Gwadar began to realize that off-grid solar systems are the key to solving the electricity problem.

According to an official with Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, business of selling China-made solar panels and systems is in high gear.

"Compared with past, residential and commercial buildings are also being solarized with solar apparatus," he added.

When asked to Fazal Muhammad, a customer at Airport Road Market about his reason to purchase solar sets, he said that the perpetual power failure has become pain in the neck. "Going solar is the sole solution to get rid of such dilemma."

"Power outages are no longer a problem now, the Chinese solar system is providing excellent service to the people of Gwadar, we are saved,"

Abdul Rasheed, a fisherman in the Ghazalwan area near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the old city of Gwadar, who benefited from the solar system donated by China, told Gwadar Pro.

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan cooperated with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China to donate 4,000 solar photovoltaic systems and LED lights to the local area in 2021.

Then, China Communication and Constructions Company and Consulate General of China in Karachi jointly carried out the project to light up main streets and the public places of Gwadar.

Raheem Buksh, a social worker told Gwadar Pro that according to his information, these solar donation reached in 42 regions in Gwadar City.

According to Planning Ministry, the Pakistani government has been partnering with Chinese companies to produce solar panels in Pakistan, a major milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to produce green energy and increase its footprint in a climate-smart global world.

The plan will also help Pakistan cut its annual import bill of $27 billion.

The Alternate Energy Development Board has finalized a 10 years policy on the solar panels and allied equipment manufacturing policy. With the help of China, solar panel’s manufacturing will contribute government effort to install about 9.7GW of renewable energy power generation systems throughout Pakistan by around 2030.

Meanwhile with the efforts of Chinese companies, the streets and public places in Gwadar are now illuminated by solar energy.

The China Communication and Constructions Company, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, have jointly undertaken the project to illuminate the main streets and public spaces of Gwadar.

A total of 73 solar-powered street lights have been installed at various locations where public activities are concentrated.

Chinese company Jinko Solar has expressed interest in establishing a solar industrial park on about 20 acres of land in the Gwadar North Free Zone, as solarisation efforts gain momentum in the port city.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China