KARACHI: The Sindh government has initiated the distribution of Solar Home Systems (SHS) to 200,000 low-income households, according to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. The program aims to provide affordable and sustainable electricity to families still recovering from the devastating floods of 2022. The Chief Minister also announced plans to procure an additional 300,000 solar units for further distribution, as directed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto.
According to a statement by Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the initiative is part of a broader effort to promote renewable energy solutions in the province. The Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) organized the distribution event, where the Chief Minister highlighted the challenges faced in developing renewable energy and the Thar coal project. He noted past restrictions on wind and solar energy, which prompted the province to consider imported coal power plants to meet its energy needs.
Reflecting on Sindh’s early solar energy initiatives, Murad Shah mentioned the government solarized 600 schools in Nagarparkar in 2014 and launched two 25 MW solar power schemes in Sukkur. Despite these efforts, federal authorities reportedly refused to approve additional power generation, citing a national surplus. Shah questioned this claim, pointing to ongoing load shedding in Sindh, including Karachi.
The Chief Minister outlined the province’s challenges in securing loans for the Thar coal project due to a lack of federal guarantees. Despite financial constraints, the Sindh government moved forward, with the first 230 MW power plant powered by Thar coal inaugurated in 2018. Today, Thar coal contributes to some of Pakistan’s cheapest electricity production, a significant achievement for the province.
Additionally, Murad Shah acknowledged the growing demand for Thar coal and its potential use in Pakistan’s cement industry. The Sindh government is collaborating with federal authorities to establish a dedicated railway line for coal transportation, enhancing energy independence.
The SSEP’s Component III will provide heavily subsidized SHS kits to eligible households for a nominal price of Rs. 6,000. The kits include a solar panel, battery, LED bulbs, mobile charging facility, and a DC pedestal fan.
The Sindh government is also partnering with Chinese companies to develop wind-solar hybrid projects, aiming for energy independence and fulfilling the PPP’s manifesto of providing 300 units of free electricity to low-income families. The distribution of all 200,000 SHS kits is scheduled for completion by July 2025, with support from NGOs to ensure efficient delivery.
Energy Minister Nasir Shah emphasized the equitable distribution across Sindh’s 30 districts, prioritizing beneficiaries from the Benazir Income Support Program database. The initiative aims to position Sindh as a leader in the global transition to clean energy, supported by the World Bank and other partners.
The Sindh Solar Energy Project represents a crucial step towards sustainable development and energy equity, reinforcing the province’s commitment to a resilient and greener future.