The Sindh government is taking significant strides toward transforming the province’s electricity infrastructure, unveiling a bold renewable energy initiative aimed at providing affordable and sustainable power to millions of residents. The plan, which includes a range of innovative energy solutions, was announced by Sindh Minister for Energy, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, during an Energy Dialogue organized by The Knowledge Forum (TKF) and NED University of Energy and Technology at a local hotel on Wednesday.
Key Features of the Sindh Alternative Energy Program
A central component of the program is the distribution of 200,000 solar energy packages to low-consumption households across the province. These packages, which will benefit over two million people in the K-Electric (KE), Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco), and Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco) regions, will be provided to consumers using between 0 to 100 units of electricity. The solar kits include solar panels, batteries, energy-efficient fans, and LED bulbs, helping to reduce electricity costs and improve access to clean energy for vulnerable communities.
In addition to solar energy, the government is pursuing a range of alternative energy projects through public-private partnerships, including solar, wind, and hybrid power initiatives. These projects are expected to not only enhance the province’s energy supply but also support Pakistan’s broader transition to renewable energy.
Progress in Thar and Public Sector Energy Transformation
Mr. Nasir Hussain Shah also highlighted the Thar coal project, where cheaper power is being generated from locally sourced coal. The Sindh government aims to reduce the dependency on expensive imported fuels by leveraging the province’s own energy resources.
Mahfooz Qazi, Director of Alternate Energy for the Government of Sindh, elaborated on the development of 400 MW solar parks, which are expected to be fully integrated with the national grid within the next two years. According to Mr. Qazi, Sindh is becoming the energy hub of Pakistan, with a diverse energy portfolio that includes solar, wind, nuclear, and coal power generation.
In a significant move toward energy sustainability, the Sindh government is also solarizing government buildings, with plans to extend this to hospitals and schools in the next phase. These initiatives aim to set an example for the private sector and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.
Financial Support and Future Goals
On the financial front, the Sindh government has secured USD 49 million in carbon credits through public-private partnerships, which will support the renewable energy transition. Additionally, the World Bank has extended a 30-year loan to assist with funding the province’s renewable energy initiatives, providing a crucial boost to the region’s energy development.
Addressing Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns
However, challenges persist, particularly regarding environmental and infrastructure issues. Marvi Rashdi, a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, raised concerns about sea erosion affecting coastal areas and the need for better energy storage capabilities. She stressed the importance of smart and micro-grid technologies to ensure a more resilient energy system, noting that the Sindh government is working on strategies to address these critical challenges.
Badar Alam, from PRIED, warned about the environmental impact of coal mining in Thar, particularly its pressure on water resources. He recommended lease-based land allocation for mining and power plants to reduce long-term environmental damage.
Experts at the dialogue also pointed out the need for a comprehensive grid phase-out strategy, as the national grid remains unaffordable and unreliable. The environmental consequences of coal mining were discussed in-depth, with a focus on the differences between the impacts of local and imported coal extraction methods.
The Social and Economic Impact of Energy Challenges
Researcher Syeda Sidrah Mehdi highlighted the severe impact of load shedding, which currently lasts between 11 to 17 hours daily, adversely affecting both the social and economic fabric of people’s lives. The ongoing issues of circular debt, high industrial tariffs, and intermittent power supply were also discussed, with experts like Dr. Mubashir Ali Siddiqui from NED University calling for a comprehensive policy document on alternative energy sources to ensure a sustainable future.
Dr. Noman Ahmed, Dean of NED University, addressed the energy crisis in urban areas, pointing out that residents of katchi abadis (informal settlements) suffer the most due to lack of utility services and infrastructure.
Other notable speakers included Hammad Ahmed from Renewable First, Tanveer Bari from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Khalid Waleed from SDPI, and Mohammad Basit Ghauri from Renewable First, who all contributed to discussions on the future of renewable energy in Pakistan.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future
In conclusion, the Sindh government’s renewable energy program represents a critical step towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for the province. The focus on solar, wind, and hybrid energy, along with government-led initiatives to solarize public buildings and encourage private sector involvement, positions Sindh as a leader in Pakistan’s renewable energy transition. However, challenges such as environmental concerns, infrastructure gaps, and the need for policy reforms remain, requiring continued attention and collaboration between government, industry, and experts.
