Solar energy: Agreement signed with Canadian company

The CSC will set up a 500 MW solar power project at Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park.


APP November 09, 2013
The CSC will set up a 500 MW solar power project at Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park. PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE:


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)

NoThanx! | 11 years ago | Reply

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.

Now Until Pakistan is Self-Sufficient in producing it's own Solar Cell panels it's cost will Remain high including repair and maintenance. What our leaders should have done is bring the Manufacturing Technology of solar panels, so now thousands of jobs are created too. But I am afraid the self serving leaders will set-up their own factories in Africa or India and sell Panels to Pak at Germany and France rates. I wonder why they are ordering from expensive Germany and France but not from cheaper China. We must ask this countries who we are giving the contracts to, to include in the plan to set us our own factories after selling for three years.

Scotchpak | 11 years ago | Reply

@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.

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