Bestway Cement Expands Solar Capacity in Pakistan
Bestway Cement is increasing its solar power generation capacity at its Chakwal plant in Pakistan, adding 6.34 megawatts by year-end to its existing 26 MW of photovoltaic cells. The move aims to reduce production costs and maintain competitiveness in the cement industry.
Bestway Cement is significantly expanding its solar power infrastructure at its Chakwal facility in north-central Pakistan. The company plans to add 6.34 megawatts (MW) of solar generation capacity by the end of the year. This expansion will complement the existing 26 MW of photovoltaic (PV) cells already operational at the plant.
Currently, solar energy accounts for over 25% of the electricity used to power the cement plant, which produces more than 3 million tonnes of cement annually. The investment in solar power is driven by the need to reduce operational costs and remain competitive within the Pakistani cement market.
"It's the only way we can compete," stated Abdul Waheed, general manager at the Chakwal plant, highlighting that rival cement manufacturers have already adopted similar solar energy strategies. This expansion underscores a broader trend in Pakistan's industrial sector towards renewable energy to mitigate rising energy expenses and environmental impact.
The expansion is expected to further decrease Bestway Cement's reliance on conventional energy sources, potentially leading to more stable production costs and a reduced carbon footprint. The company's commitment to solar energy reflects a strategic effort to leverage renewable resources for industrial efficiency.