Pakistan’s first floating solar power project, which will generate 500 megawatts of energy, is all set to be launched soon on Keenjhar Lake.
The Letter of Intent has been issued for the project.
“Work on the feasibility report of the project is in full swing and it is hoped that the project will start generating electricity in two years’ time after going through the approval stages,” SindhEnergy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh said, he went to say that Go Company, which was engaged with the project, was likely to invest US$40 million in the project.
The minister’s statement came during his meeting with officials from power companies.
He stated that Pakistan would have such a unique floating solar power plant project which would not only produce 500 MW of eco-friendly electricity but would also create job opportunities in the province.
“Keenjhar Lake will promote tourism and help in controlling load shedding,” he said.
Read more: Government will soon introduce Pakistan’s first comprehensive solar policy
Imtiaz Shaikh added that the 500 MW environmental power project was another huge milestone of the achievements of the Sindh government.
In April, an official of Wapda had announced the “country’s first floating solar power project in Tarbela and Ghazi Barotha barrages” and claimed that it would help add 300 MW of low-cost electricity in the national distribution system.
Recently, Pakistan has seen efforts to increase the installment and use of solar panels. The government focusedon a broad solar energy package including tax waivers and concessionary loans for users in order to overcome the prolonged power crisis that has stalled life in the country.
Moreover, the solar package would initially include a short-term strategy for shifting government offices to solar energy. It comprises the preparation of a plan for supporting small consumers to shift to solar energy with the help of subsidies or concessionary loans.
The government is also looking forward to waiving the general sales tax on all the components required in generating solar energy.
In a recent meeting of the energy task force, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi comprehensively reviewed the solar power plan. The prime minister has established the task force on solar energy initiatives intended to promote sustainable and green energy.
