'Govt overhauling Sindh's energy infrastructure'

Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development Syed Nasir Shah has said that the provincial government is taking steps to overhaul the province's energy infrastructure.

Speaking at an 'energy dialogue' hosted by The Knowledge Forum (TKF) and NED University of Energy and Technology at a hotel, Shah revealed a renewable energy programme designed to provide affordable and sustainable power solutions to millions of residents.

The initiative includes a wide range of innovative strategies to tackle the province's ongoing energy challenges. A key component of the program is the distribution of 200,000 solar systems to low-consumption households, aimed at benefiting over two million people across the K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO regions. The solar systems, which include panels, batteries, fans, and energy-efficient bulbs, are targeted at households using 100 units or less of electricity per month.

Shah also listed the government's ongoing efforts to implement alternative energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hybrid power, developed through public-private partnerships. "Significant progress has been made in Thar, where cheaper power is being generated from coal," Shah added. Sindh's energy diversification includes solar, wind, nuclear, and coal power, positioning Sindh as a key energy hub in the country.

Mahfooz Qazi, Director of Alternate Energy for the Sindh government, elaborated on the development of a 400MW solar park, which is expected to be grid-integrated within the next two years. He also noted that government buildings are being solarized, with plans underway to extend the solarisation program to public hospitals and schools.

From a financial perspective, Qazi mentioned that the Sindh government had earned $49 million in carbon credits through public-private collaborations. He also announced that the World Bank had extended a 30-year loan to support the province's renewable energy transition.