PM orders timely solarisation of govt buildings to save foreign exchange

PM orders timely solarisation of govt buildings to save foreign exchange

ISLAMABAD, Feb 1 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to complete solarisation of government buildings within stipulated time as countrywide solarisation project would save foreign exchange by reducing the import of costly fuel.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the measures for energy conservation, also instructed the finalisation of policy to promote local production of electric motorcycles and solar panels.

He also called for a comprehensive policy to replace the energy-consuming fans and emphasised to further empower the National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA) to promote energy conservation.

The participants of the meeting were briefed on 10,000MW solarisation project, local production of solar panels and electric motorcycles, installation of conical baffle in geysers and promotion of energy saving fans and bulbs.

It was told that the solarisation of 671 buildings was in progress. Another 600 buildings under education ministry had their own budget and the consideration was being made to use the same for solarisation. Besides, the process of 11 kilowatt feeders was also in process. The prime minister said no laxity in the said projects would be tolerated.

The representative of the industries ministry told the meeting that policy for local production of solar panels and electric motorcycles would announced by next month as input on the draft was being sought from different institutions.

It was told that the installation of conical baffles in new geysers had been made mandatory and a strategy to install the equipment in old geysers had also been finalised. Moreover, the steps had been taken to produce energy efficient fans and bulbs, and by next year the energy consuming fans and bulbs would not be produced.

The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to ensure the execution of the above said measures.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Engineer Khurram Dastgir and Makhdoom Murtaza Mahmood, State Minister Dr Musadik Malik, Advisor to PM Ahad Cheema, SAPMs Jahanzeb Khan, Syed Fahad Hussain and relevant senior officers attended the meeting.

By Ishtiaq Rao

Ishtiaq Ahmed is a Sr. Reporter who reports on Prime Minister, President, Foreign Office, and special assignments. Backed by 20-year experience, he has written for local and foreign newspapers. Reach out at 03335293238/ [email protected]/ X: ishtiaqrao

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