CM gives approval to converting government schools to solar energy

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting here today which gave approval to converting government schools to solar energy under off-grid solar solution programme.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that more than four thousand primary schools of rural areas of Punjab will be converted to solar energy in the first phase and a programme has been evolved to install solar panels in primary schools. He said that solar panels will ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to primary schools.

Shahbaz Sharif directed that in the first phase, immediate measures be taken for converting primary schools to solar energy while comprehensive planning should also be made for introducing off-grid solar solution in other schools as well under a phased programme. He directed that medium and long term planning be made for this purpose. He said that a practicable programme should also be devised for provision of solar home solution to low-income families.

Moreover, he said, a practicable project should be presented to him for converting basic health centers and agri tube-wells to solar power. The Chief Minister directed that a pilot project be evolved for the provision of electricity to rural areas from biogas and solar energy and a financial model be developed for generation of energy from biogas and solar power. He directed that Agriculture and Livestock departments should take joint measures for launching a pilot project by selecting a village at union council level and prospects of introducing this model in Thal should also be considered. He said that proposals be submitted for evolving a programme for taking steps especially with regard to drip irrigation.

The Chief Minister issued instructions for setting up a committee for evolving final recommendations regarding off-grid solar solution and directed that the committee comprising secretaries of concerned departments as well as experts of financial, technical, micro finance, and Bank of Punjab should present recommendations to him within ten days. Solar expert from Germany Dr. Grewin Dreesmann and Chief Executive Officer Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park Najam Shah gave a briefing regarding off-grid solar solutions.

Chairman Punjab Power Development Company, Additional Chief Secretary Energy, President Bank of Punjab, Secretaries of Finance, Health, Schools Education, Agriculture, Livestock, Housing, Local Government, Irrigation and Planning & Development departments attended the meeting.