Centre Hindered Sindh’s Efforts: CM Murad Ali Shah

 

Sindh Government Pushes for Energy Independence Amid Federal Obstacles

KARACHI – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has accused the federal government of obstructing the province’s energy development efforts, citing multiple hurdles in power generation projects, particularly in Thar coal and renewable energy initiatives.

Speaking at a solar panel distribution ceremony organized by the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), CM Murad expressed frustration over delays in federal approvals for additional power plants and restrictions on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. He asserted that these barriers have slowed Sindh’s progress toward energy independence, despite the province’s significant contributions to the national grid.

Challenges in Power Generation

CM Shah recalled that in 2013-14, then-Prime Minister Pervez Ashraf approved the Thar coal project, but execution was delayed due to a lack of sovereign guarantees from the federal government. This delay, he argued, created an energy crisis that Sindh continues to battle. Even in 2016, when the project gained momentum under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), further bureaucratic inefficiencies caused setbacks.

He also criticized the federal government’s decision to rely on imported coal plants rather than fully utilizing Sindh’s Thar coal reserves, which offer a cheaper and more sustainable electricity source. "Today, Pakistan’s lowest-cost electricity is being generated from Thar coal, yet we had to fight for years to bring this resource into full use," he said.

Despite these setbacks, the Sindh government has launched several renewable energy initiatives, including solarizing schools, hospitals, and low-income households. The province has already installed 270 megawatts of solar power plants, which provide electricity at an affordable Rs8.90 per unit.

Sindh’s Solar Energy Push

Recognizing the potential of solar energy, CM Shah revealed that the Sindh government is now collaborating with the federal government on a dedicated railway line for Thar coal transportation, further strengthening the province’s energy independence.

Since 2014, Sindh has solarized 600 schools in Nagarparkar and launched a 25 MW solar power project in Sukkur. The government has also been distributing Solar Home Systems (SHS) to 200,000 low-income families, helping them transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The initiative gained urgency after the devastating 2022 floods, which left thousands of families without electricity. CM Murad has now directed officials to procure an additional 300,000 solar kits for further distribution, prioritizing flood-affected communities.

“Energy independence means empowering families to rebuild their lives, children to study, and businesses to thrive, even in the face of adversity. We are building a more resilient and sustainable Sindh,” CM Shah stated.

Green Energy and Future Plans

The Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) is a key component of the province’s clean energy strategy. Its Component III aims to provide heavily subsidized solar home systems to eligible households for a nominal Rs6,000. The package includes:

80W solar panel

Lithium-ion battery

LED bulbs

Fan

Charging ports

Moreover, Pakistan’s first grid-connected solar project in Sindh is expected to add 350 MW of solar energy to the national grid, with a 75 MW hybrid initiative finalized during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China.

CM Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing 300 units of free electricity to low-income families, a promise made in the PPP manifesto and a crucial step toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Energy Minister Nasir Shah assured that SHS distribution is being carried out equally across all 30 districts of Sindh, with NGOs like Hands, SRSO, and SAFCO ensuring efficient last-mile delivery.

Pros and Cons of Sindh’s Energy Transition

Pros:

✅ Lower Electricity Costs – Solar energy and Thar coal offer significantly cheaper electricity rates.

✅ Sustainable Energy – Reduces dependence on imported fuel, promoting energy security.

✅ Support for Low-Income Families – Provides affordable electricity to vulnerable communities.

✅ Economic Growth – Encourages local investment and job creation in the renewable energy sector.

Cons:

❌ Federal Roadblocks – Approval delays slow down Sindh’s energy projects.

❌ Infrastructure Gaps – Need for improved grid systems and storage solutions.

❌ Initial Costs – Despite subsidies, some families may struggle with the upfront cost of solar kits.

❌ Climate Risks – Extreme weather conditions, such as floods, can disrupt solar installations.