Naturally, results cannot be instant. Unfortunately, we cannot simply trap sunlight in jars and use it to make machines whir. But it is hoped the park, a joint project of the Punjab government, the Bank of the Punjab and a Chinese firm that will provide technical expertise, will by the end of the year, generate around 100 megawatts (MW) of power and increase this to 1,000MW by 2016. This is a huge step forward and perhaps leads us towards the path we need to follow in the future. Alternative energy is clean, in the long term, cheap, and we, as a nation, have many options with experimental wind turbines already set up along coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. These initiatives need to be taken forward and the full potential of solar power pulled down, too, out of the sky.
The current government seems committed to solving the energy crisis. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says his government will be endeavouring to eventually generate an additional 21,000MW of power (23,000MW has been generated since Pakistan was created). Adding on a huge amount more and virtually doubling grid capacity would then be a monumental feat. We certainly hope it can be achieved, solving the crippling power crisis. Alternative energy offers solutions and the Bahawalpur park offers hope. We wait to see when the next such venture opens up, bringing the force of nature in to better lives ravaged by the acute energy shortfall we have faced for years.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 11th, 2014.
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What the people need to know is when the first 1000 MW will be ready and then the next and the next and so on. When will this eventual 23,000 MW be commissioned. What is the firm date on it? Not a politicians date but the date coming from those who are in charge of implementation. The other headlines is the $ 200 billion. The newspapers should every day find out or ask the question as to when this money is coming back
All such moves by the Govt. are highly welcomed. I believe, energy and and terrorism are the two main issues, which thsi govt. should focus on with full vigour. All the best Pakistan....