Surprise Solar Uptake in Pakistan Cushions Mideast Energy Shock

Pakistan’s rapid adoption of solar power in the past few years is helping cushion the impact of a surge in fossil fuel prices due to the Middle East war.

The South Asian nation — vulnerable to energy shocks because of its dependence on imports — will save at least $6.3 billion this year by using its solar instead of buying oil and gas at elevated prices, according to analysis by Renewables First and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.