PM launches 100MW solar energy project for Gilgit-Baltistan, 1.3 million to get clean power

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday formally launched a massive 100-megawatt solar energy initiative for Gilgit-Baltistan, featuring utility-scale solar plants, rooftop systems, battery storage and free solar panel distribution, in a move aimed at supplying affordable electricity to around 1.3 million people and reducing the region’s longstanding power shortages.

The project, executed under the supervision of a steering committee constituted by the prime minister and led by Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, includes an 82MW utility-scale solar cluster integrated with 52 hydropower stations, 499 public and private buildings shifted to rooftop solar systems, and a 66.1 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system to ensure electricity supply during nighttime hours.

The Power Division said the integrated central control and communication system being established under the project would improve dispatch management and grid coordination between solar generation and existing hydropower resources, helping stabilize electricity supply across the mountainous region.

Under the initiative, an additional 58MW worth of solar photovoltaic panels will also be distributed free of cost among households, shops and small businesses through a transparent balloting process, allowing direct relief to consumers struggling with expensive and unreliable electricity.

According to the power division,  the project marks one of Pakistan’s largest renewable energy interventions in a remote region and reflects a broader shift towards advanced clean-energy technologies, including battery storage systems.

“We have already moved into an advanced stage in renewable energy and battery storage technologies while many are still discussing these ideas. Planning for battery systems had begun months ago, reflecting that Pakistan is keeping pace with global technological transformation and innovation,” said the power division statement.

According to the power division, the project will not only help bridge electricity shortages in Gilgit-Baltistan but also stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, support small businesses and improve living standards in the region.

According to official details, the rooftop solar component of the project is scheduled for completion by December 2026, while the utility-scale solar clusters are expected to become operational by December 2027.

Key components of the project include:

— 100MW total solar power generation capacity

— Solarization of 499 buildings

— 82MW utility-scale solar clusters

— 58MW free solar PV panel distribution

— 66.1MWh battery energy storage system

— Integration with 52 hydropower plants

— Centralized control and communication system

— Clean electricity supply for nearly 1.3 million people

 

The power division also said that the previous administrations had largely ignored the energy needs of Gilgit-Baltistan, adding that the present setup was committed to regional equality, public welfare and promotion of clean energy across underserved areas of the country.