Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, announced on Wednesday that efforts are underway to implement solar-based solutions for Gwadar Port, a key element of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
Chaudhry made the announcement during a meeting on Gwadar Port’s operationalisation, attended by senior officials from the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), the Chinese company COPHCL, and other relevant bodies.
The minister highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the Ministry of Energy, and other stakeholders to address the power shortages and water scarcity challenges faced by Gwadar.
A sub-committee has been formed, comprising representatives from key ministries and bodies, tasked with reviewing the technical aspects of implementing solar power solutions in the region. The sub-committee will focus on utilising solar panels, installing photovoltaic systems and battery storage for Gwadar’s water facilities, and enhancing the region’s power supply.
Chaudhry explained that solar-based microgrids would be set up at strategic locations to power water pumps and the 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant. The goal is to reduce Gwadar’s reliance on external energy sources by enabling self-sufficiency through local solar power generation.
The minister also stated that the Prime Minister’s Solar Initiative for Gwadar is expected to be operational soon, which will provide energy for factories in the Gwadar free zone and the Gwadar International Airport.
Additionally, the initiative is set to address Gwadar’s ongoing water shortage by ensuring that adequate power is available for pumping and desalination plants. Chaudhry mentioned that the fisheries sector in Gwadar could save over a million dollars annually by shifting from costly diesel and inconsistent grid electricity to solar power.
