The Sindh government has launched a comprehensive initiative to provide solar panels to residents throughout the province, marking a significant step towards promoting renewable energy in Pakistan. The effort is part of a broader national trend towards solarization, aimed at reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and embracing sustainable solutions.
Nasir Hussain Shah, addressing the media at the 7th Solar Exhibition at the Expo Centre in Karachi, confirmed that the government is actively working with banks to facilitate the distribution of solar panels. The current budget allocates funds to supply 500,000 solar panels to households, underscoring the government’s commitment to making renewable energy more accessible.
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“The whole of Pakistan is moving towards solarization, and we are committed to making renewable energy accessible to our citizens,” Shah stated. He announced that a ban on the export of solar panels would be implemented starting in 2027 to prioritize local needs.
The energy sector in Sindh is rapidly shifting towards renewables, with a growing emphasis on solar and wind energy for long-term sustainability. Shah highlighted that while electricity generated in Thar remains the cheapest, renewable energy sources are crucial for the future. To support this transition, the Sindh government is activating the Sindh Power Regulatory Authority (SIPRA) to oversee and facilitate the use of renewable energy.
In parallel developments, Shah noted that the Thar coal project is currently providing the lowest electricity tariff to the national grid. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is tasked with setting the basic tariff for electricity consumed from the grid, a measure intended to ensure the supply of affordable electricity.
Shah expressed confidence that the prime minister would support these initiatives, which propose a tariff of Rs18 per unit after taxes. He also mentioned that the government is considering renegotiating contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) to secure a steady and affordable electricity supply.
Furthermore, the government is contemplating providing free electricity to households consuming up to 200 units, with plans to potentially extend this to 300 units if Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari becomes Prime Minister. Initially, the focus will be on providing free electricity for up to 100 units.
Nasir Hussain Shah concluded by reiterating the Sindh government’s dedication to renewable energy and affordable electricity. “We are taking concrete steps to ensure that our citizens have access to sustainable and affordable energy solutions,” he emphasized.
