Sindh Government to Distribute 200,000 Solar Home Systems for Rural Electrification

Sindh Government to Provide 200,000 Solar Home Systems in Rural Areas

The Sindh Government has announced a landmark initiative to provide at least 200,000 solar home systems to households in rural areas during the Fiscal Year 2019-20. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah while presenting the Sindh Budget for FY 2019-20 at the Sindh Assembly.

This step reflects the provincial government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions, reducing dependency on traditional power sources, and ensuring electricity access for underserved communities.

Solar Home Systems for Rural Communities

The scheme aims to bring sustainable and reliable electricity to 200,000 households in remote and off-grid areas where conventional electricity infrastructure is difficult or costly to implement. By providing solar-powered home systems, families will gain access to clean energy for lighting, fans, charging devices, and small appliances.

This will not only improve living standards but also support economic activities in rural Sindh by enabling households to run small businesses, keep schools operational, and improve healthcare services.

---

Energy Sector Budget Allocation

The Sindh Government has significantly increased its non-development energy budget from Rs. 23.883 billion in 2018-19 to Rs. 24.920 billion in 2019-20. This enhanced allocation reflects the government’s focus on both conventional and renewable energy projects to meet the province’s growing energy needs.

Additionally, Rs. 590 million has been earmarked for electrification projects, with key targets including:

1. Electrification of more than 570 villages by June 2020.

2. Provision of solar-powered electricity to 248 primary health facilities.

---

Integration of Thar Coal and Renewable Energy

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted that the Thar coal mining and power projects have already contributed 660 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid this year. This major milestone marks the beginning of a new era of social and economic development for Sindh and Pakistan.

At the same time, renewable energy initiatives such as the Jhimpir wind corridor and the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) are helping diversify the province’s energy mix. The SSEP, supported by the World Bank, will contribute around 420 MW through on-grid and rooftop solar installations, further strengthening the shift towards clean energy.

---

Savings and Efficiency in the Energy Sector

The Sindh Energy Department has taken steps to ensure efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs. The reconciliation of electricity connections of government departments with HESCO, SEPCO, and K-Electric has saved the provincial exchequer billions of rupees.

Moreover, renewable energy projects implemented in 2018-19 provided electricity to several villages and schools, showcasing the government’s commitment to expanding energy access to marginalized communities.

---

Broader Impact of the Solar Initiative

The provision of 200,000 solar home systems is expected to bring several benefits:

1. Energy Access: Families in off-grid rural areas will gain access to reliable electricity.

2. Education Support: Schools will be able to function more effectively with solar power.

3. Healthcare Improvement: Rural health centers will have better facilities with solar PV systems.

4. Environmental Sustainability: Clean solar energy will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.

5. Poverty Reduction: Access to electricity will enable small businesses, contributing to income generation in rural areas.

---

Conclusion

The Sindh Government’s initiative to provide 200,000 solar home systems marks a major step toward achieving sustainable energy goals and improving the quality of life in rural areas. With a combination of coal, wind, and solar projects, Sindh is moving towards a balanced and diversified energy mix that not only addresses immediate energy demands but also contributes to long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This program will serve as a model for other provinces, demonstrating how renewable energy can be used to empower communities, bridge the urban-rural development gap, and drive Pakistan toward a brighter and cleaner energy future.