- Reactivating local industries essential to compete regionally
- Solar reaching 25% of grid electricity is notable, driven by net metering efficiency
Interview with Mr. Owais Mir, Founder and CEO, Dynamic Engineering & Automation (DEA) Group
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Owais Mir: I am Founder and CEO of Dynamic Engineering & Automation (DEA) Group established in 2007, providing energy solutions and EPC services. With over 20 years in the energy sector, I’ve worked on major gas projects like TAPI and Iran-Pakistan-India pipelines, represented Pakistan globally, and introduced advanced healthcare technologies. I’m a member of the Pakistan Institute of Petroleum, a board member of Asia Power Thar Coal, UK Ltd, and a Founding Director of the Shahid Afridi Foundation, focusing on sustainable energy and social impact.
PAGE: Wind corridor along Sindh coast boasts abundance of clean energy, but infrastructure and administrative issues mean even installed wind turbines are not running at full capacity. What is your standpoint?
Owais Mir: The Gharo-Jhimpir wind corridor’s 43,000 MW potential is underutilized due to grid bottlenecks and administrative delays. Upgrading transmission infrastructure, adopting smart grids, and ensuring timely payments are critical to maximize output and attract investment.
PAGE: There are 36 wind power producers (WPPs) that have set up electricity generation plants along the Gharo-Jhimpir ‘wind energy corridor’ of Thatta and Jamshoro. These plants have a combined capacity of around 1,845 megawatts. What is your take on this?
Owais Mir: The 1,845 MW from 36 WPPs in the Gharo-Jhimpir corridor is a significant achievement, but the lack of a merit order dispatch system and poor grid connectivity severely limit output. Without a merit order prioritizing cost-effective renewable energy, wind farms are often curtailed, with only about 1,000 MW reaching the grid. Grid connectivity issues, such as inadequate transmission lines to high-demand areas, exacerbate losses. Addressing these requires implementing a transparent merit order system and investing in grid upgrades to fully harness the corridor’s potential.
PAGE: Pakistan has joined the ‘25% solar club’, with solar becoming the single largest contributor to grid electricity, surpassing gas, water, and coal. What is your perspective?
Owais Mir: Pakistan’s solar reaching 25% of grid electricity is notable, driven by net metering efficiency and affordable solar panels. However, solar remains a secondary fuel due to intermittency and grid limitations, requiring decades to dominate without significant storage and smart grid investments. Diversifying with wind and hydropower is crucial for a balanced, sustainable energy mix.
PAGE: The energy mix in the region is fast changing. Where does Pakistan stand vis-a-vis its regional counterparts?
Owais Mir: Pakistan’s solar (25%) and wind (3%) progress is overshadowed by its lack of industrialization and poor economy, limiting energy demand growth compared to India (150 GW renewables) and China (400 GW). LNG was expected to drive prosperity but has fallen short due to high costs and supply issues. Reactivating local industries through affordable energy policies and grid upgrades is essential to compete regionally and leverage Pakistan’s renewable potential.