Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said that practical measures are being taken to shift Gwadar Port—an important component of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—to solar energy.
The minister shared this progress during a meeting held on Wednesday to review Gwadar Port’s operational status. The meeting was attended by Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch, China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) Chairman May Yubo, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs Umar Zafar Sheikh, and other officials.
The minister said that close coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Energy, and other agencies to address issues such as electricity shortages and water scarcity in Gwadar.
He explained that a subcommittee has been formed, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar Development Authority, Quetta Electric Supply Company, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The committee’s mandate is to assess the technical aspects of the solar energy project in Gwadar.
According to Chaudhry, the committee will prepare a plan for the effective use of solar panels, recommend the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage for water facilities, and propose measures to improve power supply across the region.
Furthermore, the minister said the committee will develop solar power distribution systems integrated with storage options to ensure reliable energy supply for critical infrastructure, including the Gwadar Port Authority.
He added that solar-powered microgrids will be installed at strategic locations to power water pumps and the 1.2 million gallons-per-day desalination plant. Plans are also in place to establish macro solar grids capable of meeting year-round energy requirements.
