Lahore: The Punjab government has taken a major decision to convert 355 government colleges in the province to solar energy. For this purpose, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Higher Education Department (HED) and the Energy Department, after which the process of installing solar energy in the colleges will be started in a phased manner.
According to the details, a total of 18,825 kilowatt solar panels will be installed under this project, while it is estimated to cost Rs 2.94 billion. The project will be completed in three phases and is expected to generate 24.47 million units of electricity annually, which will enable the government to save Rs 1.34 billion.
Under the project, 135 electric vehicle charging stations will also be set up in selected colleges across the province to promote the use of clean energy. The Energy Department has further informed that the buildings of six other government departments will also be converted to a 2,770 kilowatt solar system.
According to officials, the solar energy project is expected to reduce the electricity costs of colleges by up to 42 percent, while eliminating dependence on generators and other expensive backup systems. This move will ensure uninterrupted power supply to educational institutions and promote eco-friendly policies.
Sources say that the government plans to complete the project by 2028, and colleges in major cities of the province, including Lahore, have been included in the initial phase. According to experts, this move will not only reduce the energy crisis but will also provide Punjab with an important milestone in promoting green energy.
