The federal government has announced plans to install a 100MW solar project in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to address severe power shortages. The initiative will cost approximately Rs26 billion. Authorities have invited Chinese companies to invest in the project.
Government's Plan to Tackle Power Shortages
Officials plan to install three solar power plants with capacities of 50MW, 30MW and 20MW near existing power stations in GB. Cost estimates remain tentative but are expected to be around Rs26 billion.
A feasibility study will determine the best locations for the solar plants in GB. However, officials have not yet decided who will conduct the study. One option is to assign it to a Chinese company. Another is for the GB government to handle it.
High-Level Meetings and Key Directives
The Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the solar project. The meeting followed directives from the Prime Minister. Senior officials from the Ministry of Planning and the Ministry of Energy attended.
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the critical electricity crisis in GB. He called the situation “criminal negligence” and noted that power outages lasting 18 hours daily have created a sense of deprivation among residents. The outages also discourage investors from considering the region for business.
During a recent visit to China, Ahsan Iqbal invited Chinese companies to invest in solar projects in GB. He directed authorities to facilitate these companies in starting solar energy projects in the region. He instructed the Power Division to prioritize solar solutions and ensure a transparent bidding process. He emphasized that solar power is a viable off-grid solution for the region.
Ahsan Iqbal directed officials to include the solar project in the PC-1 document. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to complete all ongoing energy projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).
Impact of the Solar Project on GB's Energy Sector
The new solar project is expected to provide reliable electricity to residents of GB. It will help reduce long power outages and boost economic development. The government remains committed to expanding renewable energy. This project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s solar energy sector. With increasing interest from Chinese investors, the country is moving closer to sustainable energy solutions.
A transparent bidding process will ensure that only qualified firms execute the project. Authorities will prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness while implementing the solar project. The move to expand solar power comes at a time when Pakistan faces growing energy demands. Investing in solar energy will help reduce dependency on non-renewable sources and support a cleaner environment.
This initiative signals the government’s commitment to addressing GB’s power crisis. It also highlights the importance of renewable energy in securing Pakistan’s energy future. Residents and investors will benefit from a stable energy supply. The success of this solar project could encourage further investment in renewable energy across Pakistan. With the right execution, the 100MW solar project will mark a significant step toward energy independence for GB.
