Interview with Ms. Natasha Haseeb — a dynamic analyst
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Natasha Haseeb: I am Natasha Haseeb, an Anchor at Pakistan Television News. I have done my MPhil in Political Science from the University of Karachi and about my professional life I am conducting a business show named “Baat Karobar Ki” which includes the different aspects of businesses, investments, economy, and stock market of the country and internationally, with different segments and making it interesting day by day because of the quality of content, participants we invite and the authenticity of news and information.
About my personal life, I am very friendly by nature, talkative and jolly with friends. My enthusiasm and strengths are my research, the way I ask the question and the angles of my analytical approach. I have done a lot of interviews with different people, the business community, industrialists, dignitaries, economists and experts from different sectors who are very competitive.
I have hosted and organised conferences as well. About my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with my family, and friends: sometimes cooking, listening to music, watching films, and dramas, reading, traveling and playing games, and vice versa.
PAGE: What is your take on the success of renewables and alternative energy in Pakistan?
Natasha Haseeb: The success of renewable and alternative energy sources has always been discussed but some research on Pakistan’s potential exceeds even previous gauges. Presently, a decade-old power production capacity plan exists for Pakistan. It has been reported that more than 30,000 megawatts of energy may be generated from the sector. This is more than what authorities have estimated earlier. Furthermore, the research facts and highlights are that solar and wind energy capacity on more than 45 percent of the total planned increase in power generation in the next 10 years and will be able to conserve the cost and emissions.
Moreover, alternative resources and green energy will provide remarkably increase energy efficiency, the highest environmental benefit and lead to a more sustainable future.
The switch to variable renewable sources from fuel generated will eliminate ongoing issues of circular debt and challenges present in industrial growth. Already, new initiatives and policy reforms in the power sector have been introduced to recover energy sector losses. The recent price hike and the conditions by the IMF expressed that Pakistan’s power sector is paradoxical and its inclination to stash circular debt must be intervened with.
PAGE: Could you tell us about the cost and benefits of solar energy?
Natasha Haseeb: Solar can reduce and eliminate our electric bills and give the relief from so-called feeder trips (load shedding) talking about the benefits of solar panels is pretty good– when you install a solar panel for your home, you generate your own electricity, become less reliant on electric utility, and reduce your monthly electricity bill as a result.
As you know the cost of electricity has risen now so this trend is expected to continue and a solar energy system can help you more in these inflationary times. Although solar energy is clean, it creates no carbon emissions or other heat-trapping “greenhouse” gases and avoids environmental damage. Solar energy systems can generate electricity in any climate.
One of the primary benefits of solar energy is its efficiency to lower costs for industries in Pakistan. By using solar energy, businesses can minimize their dependency on expensive electricity from the grid as well as prohibitively costly fossil fuel-based generators and lower their energy bills. This is particularly important for businesses that have high energy consumption, such as manufacturing and industrial operations. However, commercial businesses can also benefit from solar energy.
Furthermore, businesses that use solar energy may also see an increase in property values. This is because solar panels can maximise the energy efficiency and sustainability of a building, making it more attractive and lucrative to potential buyers or renters. Lastly, the cost savings linked with solar energy implementation, as well as the tax incentives and rebates provided by the Government of Pakistan, made solar energy an attractive option for businesses to become competitive in the region and improve their sustainability.
PAGE: What is your perspective about government incentives for alternative energy in Pakistan?
Natasha Haseeb: The Government of Pakistan has also acknowledged the need for solar energy for Industries and provides a range of tax incentives and rebates to businesses that use alternative energy resources. This includes tax credits, exemptions, net metering and other financial incentives to help equalised the cost of installing solar panels. These benefits can significantly minimum the upfront costs of solar energy installation for businesses.
Pakistan’s population is on the increase and pushing power demand. Already, GOP is working within a deficit and the time now is to switch to alternative solutions. An expansion of renewable energy will make electricity cheaper, and secure, reduce carbon emissions and help to save costs for the country. Fossil fuel sources are import costs and uncompetitive. From this standpoint, investment as soon as possible will lead to high returns in the long term.
PAGE: What is your standpoint about investment in the business of alternative energy technologies in Pakistan?
Natasha Haseeb: While the benefits of solar energy are clear, implementing solar energy in industries and businesses in Pakistan may seem like a difficult task. Perhaps, with the right guidance and governmental support, it can be easily and smartly processed.
The process of installing solar panels in Pakistan involves immense steps, including estimating the business’s energy requirements, designing the solar panel system, obtaining necessary permissions, and finally installing the panels. Businesses can also choose from a range of solar panel systems, from small rooftop installations to large-scale solar farms.
Enormous businesses in Pakistan have already successfully implemented solar energy solutions and taking the benefits. I am not mentioning the names but one of Pakistan’s largest conglomerates installed a 1.8 MW solar power plant at their dairy farm in Punjab, which reduced their energy costs by 30 percent while a leading packaging company, which now has a 3 MW system, initially installed a 1 MW solar panel system and saved approximately Rs12.5 million in electricity costs per year. Also, a textile manufacturer installed a 15 MW solar power plant, which helped reduce their annual carbon emissions by 11,000 tonnes. And even a dairy company, installed a 2.5 MW solar panel system, which saved them Rs14 million in energy costs per year. These are some examples that can motivate the business community to take baby steps toward alternate resources.