Gwadar port to be shifted to solar power

Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday announced that the government is moving to shift the Gwadar port to solar energy in a bid to improve its efficiency and overcome chronic power shortages.

The announcement came during a meeting chaired by the minister to discuss steps for enhancing the port's operations.

Chaudhry told participants that "efforts are underway to implement solar-based solutions" to boost the port's operational capacity.

According to a press release issued by the ministry, a dedicated sub-committee has been formed to plan and implement an "efficient solar panel utilisation plan". Its mandate includes recommending solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage for Gwadar's water facilities, and measures to improve the region's fragile power supply.

"The committee will design solar power distribution systems integrated with storage options to ensure a dependable energy supply for critical infrastructure, including the Gwadar Port Authority," the statement said.

The sub-committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Federal Board of Revenue, Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar Development Authority, Quetta Electric Supply Company, and the Prime Minister's Office.

Outlining the initiative, Chaudhry said the plan involves setting up micro solar grids across the port to ensure year-round energy supply. "The initiative seeks to significantly reduce Gwadar's reliance on external energy by making it self-sufficient through local power sources," he was quoted as saying.

He explained that the grids would be "set up at strategic locations to supply power for water pumps and the 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant." Chaudhry said the project will become fully functional soon, enabling the "establishment of new factories in the Gwadar free zone and provide power to the Gwadar International Airport".

The minister stressed that the maritime ministry, in collaboration with the planning ministry and other relevant bodies, was working to address Gwadar's dual challenges of power shortages and water scarcity.

He also highlighted the economic stakes, noting that solar power could potentially save Gwadar's fishing industry more than a million dollars annually.

"Solar energy is not only a matter of reducing expenses but also vital to protecting the city's flagship industry, which supports local livelihoods and strengthens its position in export markets," the press release quoted him as saying.

Those present at the meeting included Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Noorul Haque Baloch, Chairman COPHCL My Yu Bo, Additional Secretary Maritime Ministry Umer Zaffer Shaikh and Technical Advisor Jawad Akhtar.

Gwadar Port, built over a decade ago, has yet to live up to its promise, prompting renewed efforts by the federal government to accelerate its development and maximise its use.

Earlier this month, the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) and a Chinese company agreed to boost investments at the facility, aiming to develop it into a "regional transhipment centre". (With input from APP)