National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved upfront tariff and adjustments/indexations for solar power generation for delivery of electricity to the power purchaser based on solar PV power plants. The levellised upfront tariff for 1-20 MW solar PV plants for North Region has been fixed at Rs 15.0279 cents and South Region 14.4096 cents per unit. For 20-50 MW solar PV power plants, tariff in North region will be 14.8953 cents and 14.2825 cents in South region.
Upfront tariff for 50-100 MW solar PV power plants will be 14.7588 cents in North region and 14.1516 cents per unit for South region. This determination was given in accordance with Section 31 sub section(4) of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 read with Regulation 3 of the Upfront Tariff (Approval & Procedure) Regulations, 2011 (vide S.R.O. 757(1) 2011). An applicant can opt for the Upfront Generation Tariff for Solar PV Power Plant once notified in the official gazette pursuant to section 31(4) of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997(XL of 1997.
According to Nepra, tariff of solar power would decline over time, provide energy security in the country in addition to diversification in generation. Solar power would facilitate the economy and industry of Pakistan due to its unique benefits and competitiveness.
The solar energy is clean, environment friendly and renewable and also provides benefit of carbon credits. The overall cost of project and generation is very competitive. The regulator maintains that per MW cost of solar power although higher in the beginning would decline subsequently making it a financially viable in the medium term. Its installation is easy and quick and can play an important role in overcoming energy crisis.
Many countries - USA, Germany, Australia, Brazil, UK, Japan, India, China and Thailand - are now generating electricity in bulk through solar system. Pakistan receives one of the best solar irradiations in the world and has a potential to generate over 2.324 million megawatts electricity per annum through solar thermal and photovoltaic systems but this potential is yet to be tapped.
Solar irradiation in Pakistan and India stands at 1,900 (kWh/m2), against China's 1,500 and Germany's 1,200. India has already installed solar power projects with 3,000 MW capacity, China 22,000 MW and Germany succeeded in installing 38,000 MW of solar power generation capacity.
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