Pakistan's cement sector joins solar wave as Gharibwal doubles down on renewable
Gharibwal Cement Limited has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy consumption with the successful commissioning of an additional 12.5 megawatt (MW) solar power system at its plant site.
The listed company, engaged in the production and sale of cement, disclosed the development in its notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday.
'We are pleased to inform the PSX and other stakeholders that Gharibwal Cement Limited has successfully completed the installation and commissioning of an additional 12.5 MW solar power system at its plant site,' read the notice.
Pakistan's solar boom continues as govt proposes 18% tax
The cement maker shared that this new capacity has been integrated with the company's existing 12MW solar infrastructure, thereby enhancing the total installed solar generation capacity to 24.5MW.
'The additional 12.5MW solar power system has commenced commercial operations from June 16, 2025, and is now contributing to the company's captive energy requirements.
'This strategic investment aligns with the company's sustainability objectives and long-term energy cost optimization strategy by enhancing reliance on renewable energy resources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and contributing to environmental conservation,' it added.
Despite being a low-income country plagued by economic and social issues, a green revolution is taking place in Pakistan, and the South Asian country has quietly emerged as one of the world's largest markets for the growing solar industry.
According to the enter link description hereGlobal Electricity Review 2025 by Ember, an energy think tank in the UK, Pakistan imported 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels in 2024, joining the ranks of leading solar nations.
This rising trend has left decision-makers grappling with its implications for the national grid and energy sector, as electricity consumption remains stagnant.
In response, the federal government, in its budget for the financial year 2025-26, on Tuesday revealed its intention to impose an 18% sales tax on imported solar panels.
The proposed tax would help the local industry grow, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said in his budget speech in the National Assembly.
The development comes amid a solar boom in the country, with net-metering capacity in Pakistan jumping to 2,813 megawatts (MW) as of March 31, 2025, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25 released on Monday.
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