KARACHI:
Due to the continuous shortage of gas and electricity, the K-P health department has decided to resort to solar power in order to ensure that vaccines are maintained at a consistent temperature irrespective of power shortages.
But why stop there? Shortage of these basic necessities have become a routine, therefore broadening the scope and installation of solar power can give citizens the much-needed relief. In fact, solar energy seems to be the perfect solution to most of our woes. With the country being severely affected by climate change, the sun shines bright almost all year around. This means that solar technology will have the capability to produce a lot of energy, perhaps even enough to power cities. But for this the government needs to invest in solar development. Instead of importing solar technology, it has become a necessity to develop it on our own. The Quaid-e-Azam solar park, which alone can produce 100MW, needs to be maintained properly and developed further, while at the same time solar power needs to be integrated into the distribution system.
However, due to deep-rooted power dynamics that pervade almost all development opportunities in the country, not much is being when it comes to sustainable and renewable development. At this moment in time the production of energy should be our utmost concern.
Salim Ashfaq
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2020.
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