Unveiling China’s Overseas Photovoltaic Power Stations in Pakistan under Low-Carbon Transition

Abstract

Under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, renewable energy projects gradually receive due attention, among which the photovoltaic power stations in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park represents the most typical power stations in Pakistan. The construction and development processes of the photovoltaic power stations are divided into three stages, with enterprises involved including TBEA Xinjiang Sunoasis Co., Ltd., Urumqi, China and Zonergy Solar Technology Co., Ltd., Zigong, China. The development model of the photovoltaic power stations changed from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) plus operation and maintenance (O&M) mode to the Build–Own–Operate (BOO) mode. Through solar power generation and marginal emission factors of photovoltaic power stations, the cumulative electricity generation during the operation period can reach nearly 40.09 billion kWh, and the cumulative emission reduction potential of photovoltaic power stations can reach 23.82 Mt CO2-eq. Based on the multi-stage construction of photovoltaic power stations in the solar park, the land, infrastructure, and transmission facilities could be arranged to simplify the procedures and attract overseas investment. The construction and development model of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park could provide a reference for the promotion of low-carbon transition, the adjustment of traditional energy structures, the fulfillment of carbon reduction commitments, and the mitigation of climate change, which could provide policy implications for renewable energy development and low-carbon transition in Pakistan.