By: Abid Ali Khan
Senior Journalist & Columnist
Pakistan is entangled in a deepening energy crisis, and every opportunity to escape this quagmire holds immense value. Unfortunately, some initiatives fall victim to our own negligence, inefficiency, and administrative apathy. A regrettable example is the Floating Solar Power Station project in Ghazi, which had the potential to generate over 300 megawatts of electricity at an estimated cost of Rs. 27 billion.
This project was designed to install floating solar panels on highly suitable sites such as the Flanking Area of Tarbela Dam, Ghazi Barrage Lake, and Ghazi Barotha Lake. A year ago, WAPDA formally submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Energy, and initial discussions with the World Bank regarding financing were also completed. Yet, due to a lack of seriousness from both the Ministry of Energy and WAPDA’s failure to follow through, the project was shelved. As a result, the anticipated 328 megawatts of clean energy—which could have reduced pressure on the national grid and lit up surrounding communities—remains confined to paperwork. This project was not only a source of power generation but also a critical step toward sustainable, environmentally-friendly energy. In a country like Pakistan, where water resources are diminishing, solar energy presents itself as a viable and long-term alternative. Floating solar technology is gaining popularity worldwide, as it requires no land and allows solar panels to be installed over water surfaces, which also helps in regulating water temperatures during hot weather.
This raises a critical question: when all technical and financial prerequisites had been met, why was the project not executed? Is this not a form of criminal negligence—to disregard a project worth Rs. 27 billion without any valid explanation? If our governments continue to sacrifice energy initiatives at the altar of political expediency or bureaucratic red tape, who will save the public from prolonged power outages, soaring electricity costs, and looming environmental disaster? There is an urgent need to revisit this project, identify those responsible for the delays, and hold them accountable. Otherwise, this nation will continue to miss opportunities—and the people will continue to suffer under the weight of inflated electricity bills.
