ISLAMABAD: Solar panel cell on dramatic sunset sky background,clean Alternative power energy concept.
The federal government plans to establish a 100 MW solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan, under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and the Prime Minister’s Special Package.
In a meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, it was decided that the solar project, distributed across Gilgit (40 MW), Skardu (20 MW), Chilas (20 MW), and Ghanche (20 MW), will undergo a feasibility study led by NESPAK.
The GB government, with its own financing, aims to finalise the study by February 2025, with tenders expected by April.
A third-party quality assurance mechanism and a three-year operations and maintenance (O&M) contract are integral to the project. The Secretary of the Kashmir Affairs Division proposed funding the initiative from the PM’s Special Package due to fiscal constraints in mainstream PSDP funding.
The forum also reviewed the construction of a Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Coaching Centre in Skardu. The Rs764 million project includes a gymnasium, multipurpose hall, and indoor game facilities, with an eventual expansion to outdoor sports as part of a phased development plan.
Land for the facility has been allocated by the GB government. The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination will begin the tendering process within two months and explore transferring project execution to GB authorities for better efficiency and maintenance.
The meeting discussed upgrading lapidary centers in Gilgit and Skardu with Rs300 million from the Export Development Fund (EDF). The GB government has addressed initial concerns, including land acquisition and consultation with stakeholders, and will present its case to the EDF Board.
The GB administration reported that 477 development schemes are currently underway in the region, with prioritization to ensure timely completion.
Earlier, Prince Rahim Aga Khan today visited Hunza district in Gilgit-Baltistan to launch the development of Duiker Phase II and Nasirabad Solar Power Plants with a total capacity of 3.6 MWp.
Phase I of Duiker Solar Power Plant, which has a generation capacity of 1MWp and 0.6MWh battery storage, commenced operations in November 2023, increasing the daily power availability for more than 11,000 people, from 10 to 17 hours in summer and from four to nine hours in winter.
When commissioned in November 2024, Duiker Phase II will expand generation capacity from 1MWp to 1.6MWp, and battery storage from 0.6MWh to 1MWh, providing increased electricity to an additional 8,760 people. Crucially, Duiker replaces diesel power generation, leading to an annual reduction of 1,100 metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
A 2MWp Solar Power Plant with 1MWh battery storage will also be constructed in Nasirabad in lower Hunza. This will supply power to an additional 23,400 people. The Nasirabad Solar Power Plant is expected to be commissioned in June 2025.
