With the massive potential of being able to generate 2.9 million megawatts worth of energy from solar power annually, Pakistan has a hidden gem up its sleeve that hasn’t been utilized sufficiently so far.
However, ever since the Punjab government’s initiative to integrate solar power solutions, especially in underdeveloped areas, it appears that solid steps are being taken in that direction. On that note, the government has recently decided to convert thousands of schools in Southern Punjab and several public universities to run on solar energy.
In a recent meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, the significance of the renewable energy source as well as Pakistan’s potential to harness it was discussed. Accordingly, it was decided that 10,800 schools in Southern Punjab will be powered by solar energy, with the project expected to be completed by December under the Minister’s direction. The plan to power remote areas that suffer from the unavailability of transmission lines with solar energy was also discussed.
“People residing in remote areas of Rajanpur, Cholistan, Thal and Dera Ghazi Khan will be provided solar energy,” said Buzdar. Additionally, there are plans to implement off-grid electricity solutions for far-off villages, for which the energy department has been directed to prepare a feasibility report.
Furthermore, the meeting also decided to convert public universities to solar power in several phases, with the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore set to receive this significant facility in the first phase.
Aside from educational institutes, basic health units and water supply schemes are also expected to be shifted to solar power in the near future. Keeping in mind the menace of electricity theft, Buzdar also directed his officials to speed up the ongoing campaign on curbing it.
“Action should be initiated against government officials involved in electricity theft,” he said.
