Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Directs Completion of 100-Megawatt Solar Power Project in Gilgit-Baltistan Within a Year

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to the 100-megawatt solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasizing its importance in providing low-cost and environmentally sustainable electricity to the region. The project aims to end energy shortages in G-B, which frequently faces prolonged power outages, with the prime minister personally supervising its progress. Key to the project's success is its ability to withstand climate change impacts, with a focus on solarisation as a practical solution for remote regions.

Key Takeaways:

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to complete the 100-megawatt solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan within a year, ensuring it is executed on a priority basis.
• The project aims to provide uninterrupted, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable electricity to the region, addressing frequent power outages.
• Electricity supply from both hydropower and solar sources is to be strengthened to help residents cope with extreme weather conditions and power disruptions.
• A real-time monitoring system for battery backup is being developed to ensure effective implementation and international standards are adhered to throughout the project's construction.
• Six solar parks will be established in Gilgit, eight in Skardu, and six in Diamer, with solar panels to be installed on 234 government buildings, 179 in Skardu, and 66 in Diamer.
• Energy Minister Awais Leghari has been appointed chairman of the Steering Committee overseeing the project to ensure effective implementation.

Statistics:

• 100-megawatt solar power project to be completed within a year.
• Six solar parks to be established in Gilgit, eight in Skardu, and six in Diamer.
• Solar panels to be installed on 712 government buildings across the region.
• Real-time monitoring system for battery backup to be developed.

Sources:

• "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to ensure the completion of the 100-megawatt solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) within a year".
• "The project had earlier been announced by PM Shehbaz during his visit to G-B, as Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) also approved the project few days later".
• "Separately, in a meeting with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, the prime minister directed the authority to enhance coordination with provincial governments for effective response and rehabilitation efforts amid recent rains and flooding".