An agreement was signed between Punjab government and Canadian solar company for investment in solar energy project here on Thursday. Under the agreement, Canadian solar company will set up a 500 megawatt solar project at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park. In the first phase, a 200 megawatt solar plant would be set up within a year while a 300 megawatt solar project would be completed during next two years.
Canadian solar company would invest about 1.75 billion dollars in the 500 megawatt solar project while Punjab government would provide free of cost land. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Provincial Energy Minister Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan, Additional Chief Secretary, Secretary Energy Jehanzeb Khan, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Utility Solar Project of the Canadian solar company Charles Bai and other senior officials of the company were present at the signing ceremony.
Talking to mediamen on the occasion, Shahbaz welcomed the agreement between Punjab and Canadian solar company for co-operation in energy sector. The Canadian company will make total investment in 500 megawatt solar energy plant. The CM said that the agreement of co-operation between Canadian company and Punjab is a step forward. He said that Pakistan is relying on thermal power for electricity production and a sum of 10 billion dollars is being spent annually on import of fuel which a poor country like Pakistan cannot afford.
He stressed the need for setting up low-cost energy projects so that electricity could be provided to the people at cheaper rates. He said that Punjab government is making rapid progress in this direction and low-cost power generation projects are being established in the province. He said that work is being carried out expeditiously on Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Cholistan area of South Punjab and provision of infrastructure is being given top priority.
Shahbaz said that Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park will achieve great importance in the region and will help to overcome the shortage of electricity. He said that Punjab government is also working speedily on 1000 megawatt solar power project and initially 100 megawatt power project will start production within a few months. The CM said that during recent visit to China he visited various solar plants and observed that neither a heavy workforce is required for the purpose nor there is any expenditure on gas or fuel. He said that solar heat, machinery and a small workforce is enough to generate electricity. He said that Punjab government has planned Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park project in view of this fact which will prove to be a unique and glorious project in the region. Replying to the questions of media men, Shahbaz said that the elements involved in gas and power theft are criminal and deserve no leniency.
Shahbaz further said that Punjab government is paying full attention to maintain law and order situation and complete protection will be provided to foreign investors in the province. The CM said that the government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is making serious efforts for resolving energy problem. He said that special attention is being paid to generate electricity from coal.
He said that coal-based energy projects are being set up at Gadani, Hubco and near Port Qasim. Senior Vice President of the Canadian solar company Charles Bai said that his company is working in 20 countries including Pakistan. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif are making serious efforts to overcome energy problem. He said that his company is deeply impressed with the efforts of Shahbaz Sharif and has decided to work with Punjab government.
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