Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to expedite the solarization of the government buildings before the onset of the summer season in a bid to reduce the import bill and promote solar energy, news sources reported on December 23.
During a meeting, the PM said that using solar energy was inevitable and would improve the economy by reducing the import bill for fuels. He also instructed all the departments to expedite the process of transparent bidding for the construction of solar power plants.
The PM was informed that the federal cabinet had already approved a framework for the generation of electricity through solar energy instead of expensive imported fuels. Moreover, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) would define the tariff for mega solar projects by the end of this month, which would follow the bidding procedure.
It was also informed that a consultant had been hired for the solarisation of government buildings. The premier said centralized and transparent procurement should be opted for by all the federal departments. He added that the process should be started at the federal government buildings in Islamabad.
It is important to note that the federal government has already asked concerned departments to start working on the first National Renewable Energy Policy to promote alternative and green energy solutions.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
