Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to achieve socio-economic sustainable development through green energy projects, aligning with international commitments. Speaking at the inauguration of the Solar-Home-System (SHS) distribution ceremony led by Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chief Minister highlighted several significant milestones.
Among the completed projects is the development of a Wind Corridor in Jhampir, District Thatta, which now generates 1,845 MW of power. Additionally, 40 public sector buildings, predominantly hospitals, have been equipped with rooftop solar panels capable of producing 26 MW of electricity. The solarization of 352 rural health centers with standard 3KW systems further exemplifies the government’s dedication to renewable energy.
Ongoing initiatives include the solarization of public sector schools, colleges, primary healthcare facilities, jails, and government buildings, with 656 schools set to be solarized this year alone. The Chief Minister acknowledged Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s commitment to providing free electricity units up to 300 units, a key promise in the party’s election manifesto. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by rising electricity costs and improve access to energy for underserved communities.
The provincial government has allocated Rs 10 billion in the current budget to support these green energy initiatives. The CM also announced plans for Mini, Micro, and SMART Grids in various villages, to be operated on a community-sharing model, with the government covering capital installation costs.
Additionally, the government is advancing several innovative projects, including two solar parks in Karachi with a combined capacity of 270 MW, a 50 MW Waste-to-Energy project, and a 500 MW Floating Solar project on Keenjhar Lake. These projects, particularly the Floating Solar initiative, have garnered international attention, with the UNDP selecting it for presentation at next year’s energy fair in New York.
In a move towards regulatory independence, the Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority (SEPRA) has been established and is expected to become operational within the next three months. SEPRA aims to reduce power project costs significantly, ultimately benefiting consumers and mitigating climate change effects.
Energy Minister Syed Nasir Shah, also present at the event, detailed the Solar Home System (SHS) being distributed to eligible low-income families at an 80% subsidy, with the beneficiaries paying only Rs 6,000. To ensure transparency, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) data has been utilized to identify and register eligible households, with the poorest households receiving the solar kits free of cost under the provincial Annual Development Program (ADP).
These comprehensive efforts underscore the Sindh government’s commitment to harnessing green energy for sustainable development and improving the socio-economic conditions of its citizens.
