Pakistan’s Largest Bike Manufacturer Goes Solar

Atlas Honda, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Pakistan, has received a nod from the regulator to set up solar power generation arrangements at its manufacturing site in Sheikupura.

Atlas Energy, a subsidiary of Atlas Group, would install solar generation facilities having a cumulative 2.5MW capacity for its motorcycle manufacturing plant in Sheikupura.

The installed capacity was proposed after critically analyzing the current load and future load projections of the site.

Likewise, many manufacturing and assembling units in the country have been opting for renewable energy (captive) generation to secure uninterrupted supply and cut costs.

Alpha Beta Core CEO, Khurram Schehzad, said that many companies had installed captive power plants to secure continuous power supply and ensure efficiencies.

“Earlier, the captive generation was gas-based, but now the gas is a scarce and expensive commodity, so companies are opting for a renewable captive generation,” he said.

Several other companies and manufacturing concerns, including P&G, Service Industries Limited, Kohinoor Textile Mills, Fauji Cement Company, and DP World, have installed solar power generation to meet their energy requirements.

In addition to this, several others have entered into bulk power procurement agreements with alternate energy producers, while a large number of sugar millers have already setup biogas plants.

Khurram said that the gas shortage, lower costs, and commitment to a clean environment were compelling companies to switch to alternative energy resources.

“Captive renewable energy offers short-term as well as long-term efficiencies while being environment-friendly. The corporate sector should play a vital role in this transition,” he said.

Pakistan enjoys a geostrategic advantage for producing abundant amounts of solar energy. Hence, solar technology could save millions of dollars for its economic growth while also offering various ecological benefits.

What are your views on this? Share with us in the comments below.