LAHORE, September 25 — Punjab Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar distributed Excellence Shields among leading companies and organisations in the solar energy sector at the 3rd International Solar Power Conclave and Solar Technology Excellence Awards, while reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy.
Addressing the ceremony in Lahore, Khokhar said promoting renewable energy was among the Punjab government’s key priorities, with solar power expected to play an increasingly important role in the province’s future energy system.
He said the provincial government was taking practical measures to modernise the energy sector in line with emerging technologies and would facilitate solar power generation, energy storage solutions and effective integration with the electricity grid.
The minister said solarisation of government buildings, REDSIP, biogas initiatives and other renewable energy projects formed part of Punjab’s efforts to develop a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
Waste-to-energy projects were also an important component of the province’s Green Energy Roadmap, he said.
According to Khokhar, converting waste into energy could contribute to electricity generation while helping address environmental pollution and waste-management challenges.
The minister also highlighted the CM Free Solar Panel Scheme, saying it was providing solar energy facilities to eligible households. He said the initiative was aimed at reducing electricity expenses for low-income families while expanding their access to cleaner alternative energy.
Khokhar stressed that growth in solar generation should be accompanied by investment in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
He said modern storage technologies and effective grid integration would allow solar power to be incorporated more efficiently into the energy system and contribute to grid stability.
Providing reliable, stable and affordable energy to industrial and commercial users was also among the Punjab government’s priorities, he said, adding that modern technologies and improved planning would be used to facilitate businesses and industries.
Khokhar said the provincial government intended to deepen cooperation with the private sector and investors to attract investment and modern technology into the solar energy industry.
He said stronger collaboration among the government, industry, investors, technology companies and energy experts would be important for the continued development of the solar sector.
The government was also working to create new opportunities through public-private partnerships, technological innovation and investment, he added.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Khokhar presented Excellence Shields to companies and organisations recognised for their performance and contribution to the solar energy sector.
Pakistan Solar Association Chairman Adil Mahmood, Energy Update Chairman Muhammad Naeem Qureshi, representatives of solar companies, investors, technology firms, energy experts and other stakeholders attended the event.