Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB) has issued six Letters of Intent (LOIs) to different companies to establish 148 megawatts (MW) On-Grid Solar Photovoltaic power systems. In addition, three more LOIs for systems which can generate up to 70 MW were issued by the Punjab Power Development Board with the objective to cash in on the huge solar energy potential of the country.
According to an AEDB official, the policies defined by the government are aimed at meeting the demand with emphasis on exploration of indigenous resources including solar. He said that institutions are being reinforced and private sectors’ involvement is being enhanced to promote the culture of public private partnership, leading to lessening the burden on public resources.
The official said that the government had launched electrification programmes under which 3,000 solar home systems have been installed in 49 villages of district Tharparkar, Sindh. A summary for another 51 villages in Sindh and 300 villages in Balochistan have been approved for electrification using solar energy and will be implemented soon.
He further added that AEDB is also working on the Parliamentarian Sponsored Village Electrification Programme and has so far prepared and submitted 27 feasibility studies for approval. Funds for three schemes have so far been released under People Work Programs-II and the schemes are being implemented.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ