Govt depts turn to solar energy
“Pakistan and China are a perfect match for collaboration on renewable energy (solar PV) as China is a globally known giant in renewable energy technology, while Pakistan needs to move away from thermal for power generation,” stated a KTrade Securities solar PV industry report. PHOTO: CHINA ECONOMIC NET
The escalating costs of electricity have prompted public sector entities to transition towards solar energy as the Punjab government has decided to power nearly two dozen departments, including the Adiala Central Jail, with solar power.
A meeting presided over by Planning and Development (P&D) Chairman Iftikhar Ahmed Sehu endorsed these measures. Representatives from the PND board, Ministry of Housing, energy sector, WASA, and various departments were in attendance.
Several participants joined the session via video link from their respective cities.
The deliberations yielded a consensus on employing alternative energy sources to achieve savings of 60 to 70% on power bills.
The adoption of solar energy is targeted for the Wasa setups in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Multan.
These installations will leverage available open spaces or the rooftops of existing structures. Notably, Rawalpindi's Wasa plans to implement a 250 KV solar power system at the Rawal filtration plant at an estimated cost of Rs60 million.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2023.