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The solar power boom in Pakistan and the Philippines

Pakistan and the Philippines are leading the world in imports of solar panels. Jordan Dunbar finds out how solar power is transforming lives in Asia, as well as cutting bills.

The Philippines and Pakistan are now the world's top solar panel importers. We find out why, and what other countries can learn from the boom!

Cheap solar panels, mainly imported from China, are transforming lives and slashing electricity bills across Asia.

In the last year, Filipinos have put up five times as many rooftop solar panels as the previous ten years combined. Installation companies are struggling to keep up with demand.

In Pakistan, where the boom started earlier, solar power has reached every sector of the economy from the textile industry to farming. Solar has helped Pakistanis weather the current energy crisis and reduced the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The Climate Question Host Jordan Dunbar talks to Filipino climate journalist, Jhesset Enano, and Pakistani energy analyst, Zeeshan Ashfaq, from the Renewables First think tank in Islamabad.

Producers: Jordan Dunbar and Melanie Stewart Smith
Sound engineer: Tom Brignell and Dafydd Evans
Editor: Simon Watts

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23 minutes

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