The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a 100-Megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant project for Gilgit-Baltista (GB) on Saturday after Prime Minister Shearif announced the initiative.
During his recent visit to GB earlier this week, the Prime Minister revealed an RS4 billion relief package to the flooded area along with plans for Solar Energy Project and the creation of a Danish school for underprivileged children.
After ECNEC’s green light, formal work on the power project is expected to begin immediately. Working Party for Central Development (CDWP) had already cleared the plan prior to ECNEC’s approval.
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The sun project will be implemented across several districts including Astore, Darel, Tangir, Diamer, Ghande, Ghizer, Gilgit, Hunza, Ishkenan, Nagar, Rondu, Skardu and Shigar.
Implementation takes place in three stages. In the first phase, Skardu receives 18,958 megawatt electricity. The second phase gives 6,005MW to Hunza, 28.013MW for Gilgit and 13.126MW for diamer. The remaining districts will receive 16,096MW in the final phase.
In addition, the project will deliver 18,162 megawatt off-grid solar energy to hospitals and government offices in the region and facilitate the burden of the existing infrastructure.
With a total estimated cost of RS24,957 billion, the solar energy initiative is expected to be completed within three years. Officials say the project will help bridge the energy loss in the far northern region and support important public services.
