KARACHI: World Bank delegation led by Regional Director Infrastructure Guangzhe Chen and Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh discussed solar energy projects in detail. It was informed in briefing that Sindh government is setting up three 400 MW solar power projects in Karachi and Jamshoro with support of World Bank.

World Bank team was informed that 1,462 acres of land has been allocated for this purpose and allotment of land is included in agenda of Sindh Cabinet meeting to be held next week. World Bank Country Director Naji Benhasin, Team Leader Anjum Ahmed, Sindh Solar Energy Project Program Leader Teuta Kacaniku, Energy Secretary Sindh Abubakar Madani and Project Director Sindh Solar Mahfooz Qazi also participated in meeting.

Imtiaz Shaikh said that once land is allotted, competitive tariff bidding would be started through open bidding. He said that due to recent floods, there is a dire need for solar home systems in rural areas and Sindh government is considering providing 200,000 solar home systems. He said that for this purpose, Energy Department is sending a summary to Cabinet for consideration and approval for distribution of solar home systems at 90 percent subsidised rates in rural areas and 50 percent subsidy in urban areas. World Bank assured full support for subsidy amount as per decision of Sindh government.

It was also agreed that water pumping stations and sewage motors in cities will be solarised on priority. Energy Minister told World Bank delegation that Sindh Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority has been established and progress is underway for establishment of Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority. He said that Sindh government is fast developing province in coal projects, wind projects, transmission line and other activities of energy sector rehabilitation to ensure power supply. It was told in meeting that proposal to acquire management of DISCO’S is also under consideration and in this regard last week in a meeting with Minister for Energy and technical assistance has been sought from World Bank in this regard.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 11 2022

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