From cement to textiles, renewables reshape the region’s industrial power mix.

Asian Industries Turn to Solar to Cut Costs and Shield Energy Risks.

Industries across South Asia are rapidly embracing solar energy to reduce costs and insulate themselves from fuel price shocks and geopolitical risks. In Pakistan, companies like Fauji Cement Co. have deployed large-scale rooftop solar, meeting nearly a quarter of electricity needs at a fraction of grid costs. Similar trends are visible in India, where apparel manufacturers now source a significant share of power from renewables, aided by large factory rooftops and falling solar prices. Firms such as Nishat Mills Ltd., Interloop Ltd., and Gokaldas Exports Ltd. are matching or exceeding clean-energy adoption levels seen in advanced economies. The shift has reduced dependence on liquefied natural gas, saving billions in fuel imports. In contrast, Bangladesh’s slower transition has left it vulnerable to supply disruptions and rising energy costs, threatening its competitiveness in global manufacturing.