Chairman HEC inaugurates Rs.100 mln solarization project at Fatima Jinnah Women University

RAWALPINDI, Aug 06 (APP): Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar on Thursday inaugurated a 756.38 kWp grid-tied solar system with net metering and DG synchronization at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), marking a major milestone in sustainable campus development.

The project, completed at a total cost of Rs 100 million, was jointly funded by the HEC and FJWU, contributing Rs 50 million each. The system includes 476.72 kWp installed at the City Campus and 279.66 kWp at Campus-II, synchronized with the national grid, says a press release. USPCASE, UET Peshawar served as the project consultant, while M/s Associated Technologies (Private) Limited executed the installation.

Addressing the ceremony, HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar appreciated FJWU’s academic and research achievements at both national and international levels. He reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to supporting higher education institutions through continued collaboration in academic excellence, research innovation, and sustainable infrastructure. He also highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in shaping future generations and driving national progress.

During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza presented an overview of the university’s performance, research initiatives, global collaborations, and sustainability efforts. She expressed gratitude to the HEC for its support, stating that the project reflects FJWU’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.

According to the university’s Planning and Development Directorate, the solar power system has already begun generating clean energy and is expected to recover its total investment within 2.5 to 2.8 years, significantly lowering electricity costs and reducing the institution’s carbon footprint.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Director Planning and Development Prof. Dr. Tahir Mukhtar, who acknowledged the contributions of HEC, university leadership, project partners, and staff toward the successful completion of the initiative.