An exclusive interview with Muhammad Tariq Haq, Founder and CEO, Energy Solutions (Private) Limited
Profile
Muhammad Tariq Haq is the Founder and CEO of Energy Solutions (Private) Limited, a leading power generation company in Pakistan. With a BE in Mechanical Engineering from NED University and an MBA in Marketing from IBA, Haq has almost 30 years of experience in the industry. He played a pivotal role in introducing Cummins and Aksa Power Generation to the Pakistani market. Known for his focus on safety, learning, and continuous improvement, Haq is a visionary leader committed to driving growth and innovation in Energy Solutions (Private) Limited.
Following are the excerpts from an exclusive interview with Muhammad Tariq Haq
PAGE: In this age of severe energy crisis affecting households and industries, what kind of cost-effective solutions does your company provide?
Muhammad Tariq Haq: Energy Solutions recognizes the deep impact on households and industries alike. Our company is committed to offering cost-effective solutions to alleviate this crisis. Our portfolio includes:
– AKSA diesel generators, providing reliable and efficient power backup solutions
– Cummins Gas generators, offering cleaner and more efficient energy alternatives
– Solar renewable energy solutions, harnessing the power of the sun to reduce reliance on fossil fuels
We understand the unprecedented pressure on top and bottom lines and offer tailored solutions to optimize energy costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted power supply. Our expertise and cutting-edge technology enable us to provide affordable and sustainable energy solutions, helping industries and households overcome this energy crisis.
PAGE: The cost of generation from fossil fuels is high, what low cost solution does your company offer?
Haq: You’re right, generation from furnace oil or diesel can be costly, and gas prices are rising. However, our venture focuses on providing efficient and cost-effective energy solutions that mitigate these challenges. Here’s why:
– Our AKSA diesel generators are designed for mission critical applications where cost is not as important as continuity & reliability of services such as data centers, hospitals, financial institutions, telecommunication etc.
– Cummins gas generators are designed to optimize fuel consumption, reducing operating costs.
– Our solar renewable energy solutions harness the power of the sun, providing a clean and free energy source.
– Our energy-efficient solutions reduce energy consumption, leading to lower costs for our customers.
PAGE: Although brand consciousness is still developing in Pakistani society, customers prefer renowned brands for mechanical products. How is your brand capturing market share in the presence of companies like Siemens, Caterpillar and Honda in Pakistan?
Haq: While it’s true that brand consciousness is still evolving in Pakistan, we’re proud to say that Energy Solutions (Private) Limited has established itself as a trusted and reliable brand. Despite the presence of renowned global brands like Siemens, Caterpillar, Cummins and FG Wilson, we’ve successfully carved out a significant market share in Pakistan.
Our ability to offer high-quality products, tailored solutions and exceptional after-sales service has resonated with Pakistani customers. Our brand has built a reputation for reliability, efficiency, one stop-shop and cost-effectiveness, making us a preferred choice for many industries and households.
PAGE: Do you believe government policies are supportive in overcoming the energy crisis in Pakistan?
Haq: While we recognize the government’s efforts to address the power sector challenges, we believe that there is still room for massive improvement in the policies and regulations. Energy shortages persist, and the country’s energy mix is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
We think that changes should be introduced to promote renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency and encourage private sector investment in the power generation and distribution sectors. Specifically, we recommend:- Incentives for renewable energy projects
– Streamlined regulatory processes
– Enhanced grid infrastructure
– Encouragement for energy-efficient technologies, etc.
By introducing such changes, Pakistan can reduce its energy shortages, mitigate the impact of climate change and create a more sustainable energy future.
PAGE: What have been your major achievements as the CEO?
Haq: I thank Almighty for enabling me to introduce few products from ground zero. But my main focus is on corporate social responsibility initiatives; the starting point of which is our own colleagues. Another focal point is to abstain from micro management; hire best people and retain them with innovative packages, etc. We are ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 certified company and strive to do what we say and say what we do.
PAGE: What are your future plans and strategies for enhancing your company’s market share?
Haq: Our future strategy in Pakistan is focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and customer centricity. We aim to:
– Expand our product portfolio with cutting-edge new technologies
– Enhance our service offerings to ensure exceptional customer experience
– Invest in renewable energy and energy storage solutions to contribute to Pakistan’s sustainable future
– Invest in people to drive innovation and growth.
PAGE: What improved steps for energy generation, transmission and consumption does your company have in store for Pakistan?
Haq: Yes, our company has several improved steps for energy generation, transmission and consumption in store for Pakistan, including:
– Introducing advanced renewable energy solutions like solar PV and energy storage systems
– Implementing smart grid technologies for efficient energy transmission and distribution
– Promoting energy-efficient products and solutions for industrial and commercial sectors
– Developing decentralized energy solutions for off-grid areas
– Investing in research and development to optimize energy generation and consumption
We are committed to innovation, efficiency and reliability, and our upcoming initiatives will reflect these values.
PAGE: How do you describe the link between energy sustainability and technology? Does technology help in improving sustainability?
Haq: The link between energy sustainability and technology is intricately connected. Technology plays a crucial role in driving energy sustainability by:
– Enhancing Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency through smart grids, energy storage and renewable energy solutions.
– Renewable Energy Integration: Enabling the integration of solar, wind and hydroelectric power into the energy mix.
– Electrification of End-Use Sectors: Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps and other efficient technologies.
– Carbon Capture and Utilization: Developing technologies to capture and utilize carbon emissions.
– Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data analytics, AI, and IoT to optimize energy consumption and production.
– Innovative Business Models: Enabling new business models that promote energy sharing, community solar and pay-as-you-go energy services.
By harnessing technological advancements, we can decouple energy consumption from economic growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a sustainable energy future.
PAGE: What are the key challenges facing the energy sector in Pakistan?
Haq: In addition to energy sustainability and digitalization, our company is prioritizing the following challenges in the energy sector:
– Energy Storage and Backup Solutions: Developing innovative energy storage solutions for industrial and commercial customers.
– Workforce Development and Training: Upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet the evolving needs of the energy sector.
– Research and Development: Investing in R&D to stay ahead of the curve in energy technologies and innovations.
By addressing these challenges, we aim to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient energy future for all.
PAGE: Can you briefly describe your customers’ strengths and how they compare to customers from a decade ago?
Haq: Our customers’ strengths include:
– Increased Awareness: Today’s customers are more aware of environmental issues, energy efficiency and sustainable practices than they were a decade ago.
– Technological Savviness: Customers are now more comfortable with digital technologies, enabling them to leverage smart energy solutions and data analytics.
– Demand for Sustainability: Customers are driving the demand for renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and sustainable practices, unlike a decade ago when cost was the primary focus.
– Data-Driven Decision Making: Customers now rely on data and insights to form their energy-related decisions, whereas a decade ago, decisions were often based on intuition.
– Proactive Approach: Today’s customers are more proactive in seeking energy solutions, whereas a decade ago, they were more reactive.
This shift in customer strengths and preferences has led us to adapt our strategies, products, and services to meet their evolving needs and expectations.