All Public Buildings Must Be Solarised Within Three Years: Punjab Energy Minister

By Dr Ansab Ali
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Energy, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, has directed that all public buildings across the province be shifted to solar energy within the next three years, stressing that further measures are required to ensure an affordable, reliable, and high-quality power supply for the public.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting of the Energy Department chaired by the minister, where a detailed briefing was given on departmental performance, ongoing and new development schemes, green energy initiatives, and the renewable energy roadmap under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025–26. Secretary Energy Dr Farrukh Naveed and senior officials were also present.
Officials informed the meeting that the Energy Department is currently implementing 11 ongoing and 18 new development schemes aimed at achieving energy self-reliance, solarisation of public sector institutions, promotion of energy conservation, and reduction of environmental pollution.
It was shared that by December 2027, a total of 21.119 megawatts of solar power will be generated under various projects, including the solarisation of 24 tertiary and teaching hospitals and six Danish schools. The project was approved on February 21, 2025, with the provincial cabinet endorsing the agreement and Germany’s development bank KfW engaged as the tender agent. Implementation is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2026–27.
The meeting was further informed that a project for the solarisation of 52 Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals was approved by the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) on August 8, 2025. In addition, a major initiative is underway to install solar systems with a cumulative capacity of 18,915 kilowatts at 355 universities and colleges across Punjab, along with the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at divisional headquarters.
Officials also reported that a project for the solarisation of 164 district and sessions courts and three benches of the Lahore High Court has been approved. Separate solar projects with a combined capacity of 2,770 kilowatts are in progress at Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh, Lahore College for Women University, Home Economics University, Central Jail Kot Lakhpat, and other key public buildings.
Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programme, the department is introducing a certification and labelling scheme for energy-efficient appliances to promote energy savings. With the support of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), a registration portal is being developed, while DGPR-approved media outlets have been engaged for a public awareness campaign.
For research and quality assurance, the upgradation of the Solar PV Module Testing Laboratory at the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERAD), UET Lahore, has been approved. The facility will support testing of advanced solar technologies, including N-type, bifacial, and heterojunction (HJT) modules.
The meeting was also informed that a project for the solarisation of 17 tube wells in Okara for water supply is in progress, with commissioning expected by February 2026 and net metering to be completed by June 2026.
Regarding the Chief Minister Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme, officials said that 63,298 solar systems have already been installed, while 85,456 consumers have been successfully verified. Completion of the scheme is expected by February 2026.
The briefing covered key recommendations of the renewable energy roadmap, including the establishment of a Provincial Renewable Energy Authority, promotion of investment through climate finance, development of hybrid solar and wind projects, bioenergy and hydrokinetic turbines, and a strengthened framework for environmental sustainability and governance.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Khokhar instructed the Secretary Energy to present a clear, time-bound roadmap to ensure solarisation of all public buildings within three years. He also directed that special arrangements be made to shift mosques to solar energy, with a comprehensive and practical plan to be submitted at the earliest.
The minister emphasized that all projects must be completed within stipulated timelines with transparency and integrity, adding that renewable energy initiatives would help address the energy crisis while contributing to economic stability and environmental sustainability. He stressed that energy wastage must be curtailed and additional measures are essential to ensure affordable and quality electricity for the public.