Rawalpindi schools to go solar

The project aims to transition 86 provincial public schools to solar power by May 31

RAWALPINDI:

In a significant move towards sustainable energy and modernisation, the provincial education department has embarked on a project to convert the electricity systems of 86 government schools to solar energy.

This initiative, which includes 10 schools in the Rawalpindi division, is backed by a substantial allocation of Rs500 million.

Under the plan, the first phase aims to transition these government schools to solar power by May 31. The subsequent phase is slated to commence on August 15, post the summer vacation period.

The Secretary of Education has taken proactive steps by dispatching letters to all school heads, Divisional Education Directors, and District Education Authorities, urging swift action in selecting suitable school sites for solar panel installation.

Furthermore, they have been tasked with facilitating access to representatives of contracted solarisation companies and appointing focal persons to ensure timely project completion. The ministry has also requested the names and contact details of these individuals for streamlined coordination.

With an ambitious target of transitioning all 47,000 government schools to solar energy within two years, the Ministry of Education has earmarked significant funding in the new provincial budget for 2024-25.

The first phase prioritises 53 girls’ schools and 33 boys’ schools, chosen based on factors such as classroom occupancy and fan usage.

In Rawalpindi district alone, four schools are included in this phase, alongside two each in Jhelum and Chakwal, and two in Lahore district. Additionally, the transition will begin on April 22 in other regions, including Faisalabad with five solar-powered schools, Gujranwala with two, Kasur with three, and Sialkot with three.

The necessary solar energy panels and batteries have already been ordered, and the installation process will commence promptly upon their arrival. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable infrastructure and paves the way for a brighter, greener future in the country’s education sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2024.