Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, unveiled a groundbreaking renewable energy initiative aimed at addressing the province’s energy issues while offering cost-effective power solutions to millions of residents. Speaking at the Energy Dialogue organized by The Knowledge Forum and NED University of Energy and Technology, Nasir Shah outlined the details of the initiative, which includes an extensive solar energy program and other alternative energy projects.
The initiative’s centerpiece is the distribution of 200,000 solar energy packages to households with low electricity consumption, which will benefit over two million people in the Karachi Electric (KE), Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) regions. These solar packages, intended for homes using less than 100 units of electricity, will include solar panels, batteries, fans, and bulbs, providing much-needed relief for low-income households. Nasir Shah also highlighted the government’s broader alternative energy strategy, which involves solar, wind, and hybrid power projects developed through public-private partnerships.
He mentioned the success of Thar’s coal-based power generation, which has provided cheaper electricity for the region.Mahfooz Qazi, Director of Alternate Energy at the Government of Sindh, detailed ongoing projects such as the development of 400 MW solar parks, which are set to integrate with the grid in the next two years.
He stressed that Sindh is becoming a key energy hub, producing power through a diverse mix of solar, wind, coal, and nuclear energy. Additionally, the Sindh government is solarizing public buildings, with plans to extend this to government hospitals and schools in the next phase.
The initiative also holds strong financial promise, with the Sindh government earning USD 49 million in carbon credits through public-private partnerships. The World Bank has also extended a 30-year loan to support these renewable energy transitions. At the dialogue, Marvi Rashdi, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, raised concerns about sea erosion along the coast and the lack of infrastructure for energy storage.
She called for the adoption of smart grid technologies to address these critical challenges. Badar Alam from PRIED spoke on the environmental pressures posed by Thar coal mining, particularly its impact on water resources, recommending that land for mining operations be leased to reduce long-term environmental damage.
Experts at the event also discussed broader challenges facing Sindh’s energy sector, including the unreliable and unaffordable national grid. Researcher Syeda Sidrah Mehdi highlighted the severe impact of prolonged power outages, ranging from 11 to 17 hours, which disrupt daily life and economic activities.
Dr. Mubashir Ali Siddiqui from NED University emphasized the need for a detailed policy on alternative energy sources, while Dr. Noman Ahmed, Dean of NED University, focused on the energy crisis in urban centers, particularly in Katchi Abadis where utility services are scarce.
The dialogue brought together a range of experts, including Hammad Ahmed from Renewable First, Tanveer Bari from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Khalid Waleed from SDPI, to address the province’s pressing energy concerns. Zeenia Shaukat, Director of The Knowledge Forum, concluded the session by thanking participants and encouraging further dialogue on sustainable energy solutions for Sindh.
