KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced a comprehensive renewable energy program aimed at overhauling the province’s electricity infrastructure, with a focus on providing cost-effective power solutions to millions of residents. Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development Syed Nasir Shah unveiled the initiative during an Energy Dialogue organized by The Knowledge Forum and NED University of Energy and Technology.
According to Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the plan includes the distribution of 200,000 solar packages to low-consumption households, which is expected to benefit over two million people in the KE, HESCO, and SEPCO consumer regions. These packages will include solar panels, batteries, fans, and bulbs for consumers using between zero to 100 units of electricity. The government is also pursuing various alternative energy projects, including solar, wind, and hybrid power initiatives developed through public-private partnerships, with significant progress reported in Thar’s coal-based power production.
Mahfooz Qazi, Director of Alternate Energy for the Government of Sindh, highlighted the development of a 400 MW solar park, with grid integration anticipated within two years. The Sindh government has also earned USD 49 million in carbon credits through public-private partnerships, and the World Bank has provided a 30-year loan to support renewable energy transitions. The government is also working on solarizing government buildings, hospitals, and schools.
Ms. Marvi Rashdi, a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, expressed concerns about sea erosion affecting coastal areas and infrastructure gaps, especially in energy storage capabilities. She emphasized the necessity of smart and micro grid technologies to address these issues.
Badar Alam from PRIED discussed the environmental pressures from Thar coal mining, particularly on water resources, recommending land allocation on a lease basis for mining and power plants to reduce environmental impacts. Experts at the dialogue called for a comprehensive grid phase-out strategy, noting the unaffordability and unreliability of the national grid.
Researchers highlighted the severe impact of load shedding, ranging from 11 to 17 hours, affecting social and economic aspects of life. Challenges such as circular debt, high industrial tariffs, and intermittent power supply persist. Experts like Dr. Mubashir Ali Siddiqui from NED University emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy document on alternative energy sources. Dr. Noman Ahmed, Dean of NED University, spoke on the energy crisis in urban centers, noting the struggles of those living in Katchi Abadis due to the lack of utility services.
The dialogue featured various experts and researchers, including Hammad Ahmed from Renewable First, Tanveer Bari from Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Khalid Waleed from SDPI, and Mohammad Basit Ghauri from Renewable First. Ms. Zeenia Shaukat, Director of TKF, welcomed the guests and conducted the dialogue.