LAHORE: The government of Punjab is considering the installation of a 150-megawatt solar power plant at the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park as part of its strategy to secure affordable and green energy resources.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting of provincial energy department chaired by Punjab Minister for Energy Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar. The meeting reviewed multiple initiatives aimed at promoting affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy while strengthening the province’s industrial sector, officials stated.
Addressing the participants, the minister stressed that a cost-effective and sustainable energy system is essential for industrial growth. He noted that the provincial government is committed to introducing reforms in the energy sector by adopting modern, environmental friendly technologies to ensure cheaper electricity for industries and to bolster the economy.
He added that waste-to-energy projects would not only provide alternative energy sources but also help address urban waste management challenges.
During the meeting, three major proposals were examined in detail. The first focused on off-grid power generation through alternative sources, including solar, waste-to-energy, and hydropower projects. Officials highlighted that expanding renewable energy in Punjab could significantly increase electricity generation while ensuring low-cost energy supply to both industrial and urban sectors.
Citing a 2022 study by the World Bank, the meeting was informed that around 30 potential sites for waste-to-energy projects have been identified across major cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Rawalpindi and Sialkot.
The second proposal discussed the use of solar energy through wheeling arrangements to supply low-cost electricity to WASA and the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train. Officials stated that the proposed solar plant at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park is expected to generate approximately 300 million units of electricity annually. Of this, 250 million units could be allocated to WASA Punjab, while 50 million units may be supplied to the metro train system.
The estimated cost of solar power generation was projected at Rs10.97 per unit, offering significant savings compared to current tariffs. The third proposal addressed the provision of affordable electricity to industrial zones across Punjab. Officials noted that industries are currently burdened by high electricity tariffs, with demand in industrial zones expected to increase by an additional 307 megawatts by 2030.
Detailed load projections were presented for key industrial estates, including Sundar Industrial Estate Lahore, Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate Kot Lakhpat, Multan Industrial Estate (Phases I & II), Rahim Yar Khan Industrial Estate, Quaid-e-Azam Business Park Sheikhupura, Bhalwal Industrial Estate, Vehari Industrial Estate, and Chunian Industrial Estate.
Copyright media, 2026
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