49 sites are selected for starting solar projects of one to 50 megawatt :CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Punjab government is executing a solar project of 100 megawatt at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur from its own resources which will start production in the beginning of next year. He said that 49 sites have been selected for starting solar projects of one to 50 megawatt in Punjab which will generate total electricity of 215 megawatt.

He expressed these views while presiding over a high level meeting, here today. The meeting reviewed the progress on 100 megawatt solar project at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur and installing small solar power projects at various places of the province. Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that work on solar projects of 100 megawatt at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur is continuing speedily. He said credit goes to Punjab government that for the first time, a project of generating solar power is being installed at government level in Pakistan. He said that planning has been made to generate a total of 1000 megawatt electricity at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur. He said that 49 sites have been selected for installing small solar projects and facilities will be provided to the investors for these projects on priority basis.

The Chief Minister directed Chairman Planning & Development that a practicable programme should be evolved to shift the hospitals, schools and agriculture tubewells to solar. He said that a comprehensive plan should also be prepared with regard to solar home solution and final proposals should be submitted at the earliest in this regard. Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan Muslim League-N government is marching forward in the right direction speedily for overcoming energy crisis. He said that energy projects have delayed due to sit-ins. He said that the precious time wasted due to sit-ins will be made up through hard work and determination.

Chief Executive Officer Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur Najam Shah informed about the progress on 100 megawatt solar project. Special Assistant Azmul Haq, Chairman Planning & Development, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Chairman Punjab Power Development Board Arif Saeed and concerned officials attended the meeting.