Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a major initiative to implement the solarization of government buildings*across the province, with an estimated project cost of PKR 10 billion.
This ambitious plan, which is set to save the provincial government PKR 2 billion annually on electricity bills, was discussed in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
The solarization of government buildings will include hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, police stations, jails, government offices, tube wells, and street lights. During the meeting, officials provided a detailed briefing on the energy needs of these facilities and the plans to convert them to solar power.
The solar installations are expected to generate about 92 million units of electricity annually, with a total capacity of approximately 73 megawatts. This project is part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s effort to reduce reliance on expensive and unsustainable energy sources. The solarization of government buildings will significantly lower energy costs, contributing to both economic savings and environmental sustainability.
As part of the ongoing preparations, data has been collected from 13,000 government buildings, identifying their energy requirements. Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the project, instructing the relevant departments to complete all formalities and begin implementation without delay.
“The solarization of government buildings is a crucial step in our effort to cut down on electricity bills and promote renewable energy solutions across the province,” he stated.In addition to government buildings, the Chief Minister also directed the solarization of 7,000 mosques and 3,000 madrassas throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This expansion of the initiative is aimed at reducing energy costs in both public and religious institutions, making a significant impact on communities across the province.The solarization of government buildings will not only lead to considerable financial savings but also help reduce the province’s carbon footprint by relying on cleaner, renewable energy.
Chief Minister Gandapur has tasked the project committee to complete the necessary groundwork within the next week to ensure a swift launch. The project is expected to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a leader in solar energy adoption in the public sector, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Read more: PHC Orders govt to Expedite District Protection Committees for Domestic Violence Cases
