With World Bank assistance, the Sindh government has decided to solarize 200,000 housing units in rural and urban areas all over the province under Sindh Solar Project.
Sources reported that the decision was made during a meeting at the energy department between Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh and a World Bank delegation led by its director Najy Benhassine.
Talking to the media, Mr Shaikh said that the panels would be installed across the province as part of the Sindh Solar Project.
“Over 200,000 houses/units will be solarised in both rural and urban areas of all districts as part of the provincial government’s major initiative to end the energy crisis,” the energy minister said.
He also stated that it was decided to provide a subsidy of $160 per house/unit in rural regions and $110 in urban areas.
“Initially solar panels are being installed in ten districts, and the process will be expanded to include all other districts in Sindh,” he said.
According to the minister, the World Band delegation was pleased with the pace of ongoing projects in the province’s energy sector.
He stated that the importance of producing green, environmentally friendly energy was rapidly increasing in light of the effects of climate change.
Moreover, the minister added that there were numerous opportunities for the blue economy in this sector.
?“The speed of wind in the sea is many times better than on land, so wind turbines can be installed on the sea and beaches to generate cheaper electricity,” he said.
Imtiaz Shaikh stated that an economic zone could be developed in the coastal area, which would be a significant step forward in the development of the coastal region. “The energy department will collaborate in developing offshore wind projects near coastal areas,” he said, adding that floating solar energy units would be developed for the country’s economic development.
He stated that the energy department wished to collaborate with the Pakistan Institute of Oceanography to create floating solar projects along the coast.
“Floating solar systems and offshore wind projects can expand blue economy opportunities through affordable energy,” he added.