The CSC will set up a 500 MW solar power project at Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park. PHOTO: FILE
The Canadian Solar Company signed an agreement with the government on a collaborative solar energy project on Thursday.
Under the agreement, the CSC will set up a 500 MW solar power project at Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park.
In the first phase, a 200 MW plant would be set up in a year. A 300 MW project would be completed in the next two years.
The Canadian Solar Company will invest about $1.75 billion in the 500 MW project. The government will provide land for the project.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif welcomed the agreement. He said it was a step forward in resolving the energy crisis.
He said Rs 10 billion was being spent annually on import of fuel which was no longer affordable.
He stressed the need for low-cost energy projects so that electricity could be provided to people at cheaper rates.
He said the government was working on several low-cost power generation projects in the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2013.
COMMENTS (6)
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An international Cost Estimate:
240Watts Solar Panel cost R40,000, 2 heater Solar Panel cost R1,50,000 One large light lamp Solar Panel R20,000
The Solar Panel is good when there is no power at all when it's desperately needed, Due to the load shedding or because Remote Areas. It's also needed when cost of bringing the power by putting the wires is too much or not planned in near future.
@Salman: For technical reports and feasibility you have to consult with the CM's office in Punjab. My observations are based on a simple observations, usage and common sense.
Solar energy means now more expensive electricity because Nawaz Sharif has said that solar energy power is expensive. How foolishly our leaders consider cheap energy as the expensive energy!!!!!!
@scotchpak: Can you quote any technical report or case study which states that solar panels won't be successful in field because as far as I know, Germany produces half of its energy from solar and other renewable sources.
@scotchpak: Quaide Azam Solar park is being established in a semi desert land near Bahawalpur and the land is of no use for agri purposes. Secondly Solar park will not only have solar panels but solar reflectors will be employed as well. In future solar reflectors along with molten salt will be used to save thermal energy so that we could produce electricity during the night as well.
With due respect to our "Thinking Elite": I believe that solar panels, in it's present state are ONLY good for domestic use. Unmanageable solar panel FIELDS will create jobs for cleaners or Turkish sanitation companies. Of course, you can sell the power and pay for the cleaners but your land is lost to agriculture. Good luck! Get a better consultant who did not do an MBA