Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah declared on Friday that the Sindh government intends to develop solar parks to contribute power to the national grid, with the goal of providing free electricity for up to 100 units to provincial users.
Shah emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will not support levies on solar energy.
Addressing the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Shah promised that the government will take into account the business community’s energy ideas. “We have raised the issue of load-shedding and overbilling with the Ministry of Energy and demanded on platforms like CCI and NEC that no taxes be imposed on solar power,” he stated.
Sindh govt: Shah elaborated on the government’s plans, saying, “We are developing a programme to provide free electricity for up to 100 units.”
Electricity generated by solar parks will be channeled into the national grid. We have asked power firms to guarantee that electricity for up to 100 units is free. The PPP’s position is clear: placing tariffs on solar electricity is completely improper, and we have underlined this in the Senate.”
The provincial minister emphasized the allotment of 600 acres for solar parks in Karachi’s Malir and West districts, with another planned for Jamshoro.
“Solar is a highly successful concept, with three initiatives now underway. “We invite collaboration with the government on this model,” he said.
The minister stated that Sindh generates the cheapest power for the national grid, mainly from Thar coal, at 5.50 rupees per unit. “Our second plant provides power for 15 rupees per unit, whereas the country produces it for 60 rupees per unit. “The constitution gives provinces the first right to this power,” Shah stated. He also indicated the start of projects in three new blocks, with the potential for 100 power plants in Thar.
Maria Ghanchi