Minister inaugurates 200KW solar plant

Says project will reduce annual energy bill by Rs12.66m

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Friday inaugurated the installation of a 200KW solar PV system at the ministry to promote environment-friendly electricity.

The ceremony was held at the ministry's auditorium which was attended by the Ministry of Planning Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Additional Secretary (AS) and officials of the ministry. Speaking at the occasion, Ahsan Iqbal said, "The provision of affordable, reliable and clean energy has always remained a priority of the government."

He said pillar IV of Vision 2025 outlines the approach towards achieving energy, water, and food security. The recent 5E framework provides a short to medium-term strategy to achieve economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability in the coming years, he remarked.

He highlighted that the recently launched 5Es framework and energy is one of the important E. He further said this project will reduce the annual energy bill for the ministry from Rs26.746 million per annum to Rs14.09 million resulting in annual savings of Rs12.66 million.

At the existing prices, the project is expected to recover its capital cost within four years, he added. He said the project will augment already installed 178KW solar PV-based alternative and renewable energy by adding nearly 200KW of solar power.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2023.