Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, announced that the government is advancing plans to implement solar power solutions at Gwadar Port, a flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The initiative aims to resolve chronic power shortages, reduce reliance on external energy, and improve port efficiency.
High-Level Meeting on Gwadar’s Operationalisation
The minister announced during a meeting attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Noorul Haque Baloch, Chairman of Chinese firm COPHCL My Yu Bo, Additional Secretary of Maritime Affairs Umer Zaffer Shaikh, and other officials. He confirmed close coordination with the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Planning & Development, and relevant bodies to address Gwadar’s electricity and water challenges.
Formation of Sub-Committee for Technical Review
A sub-committee has been set up, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Energy, GPA, Gwadar Development Authority, Federal Board of Revenue, Quetta Electric Supply Company, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Its tasks include:
Designing solar photovoltaic systems with battery storage for water facilities
Planning efficient solar panel utilisation across Gwadar
Proposing reliable distribution systems for critical infrastructure, including the GPA headquarters
Macro and Micro Solar Grids for Gwadar
Chaudhry revealed that solar-based macro and micro grids will be installed at key locations, powering water pumps and the 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant. Energy storage solutions are also being considered to ensure an uninterrupted supply.
The project, part of the Prime Minister’s Solar Initiative for Gwadar, is expected to power upcoming factories in the Gwadar Free Zone and provide electricity to the Gwadar International Airport.
Tackling Gwadar’s Water Shortage and Reducing Costs
Gwadar faces an acute water shortage due to insufficient power for pumping and desalination plants. Chaudhry highlighted that stored water reserves are available but cannot be distributed effectively without reliable electricity.
Industry assessments show that Gwadar’s fisheries sector could save over $1 million annually by shifting from costly diesel and unstable grid supply to solar power, boosting exports and safeguarding local livelihoods.
Self-Sufficiency Through Renewable Energy
The minister emphasised that dependable solar energy is not only about reducing costs but also about ensuring Gwadar’s long-term sustainability as an economic hub. By reducing dependency on external energy sources, Gwadar can move towards self-sufficiency and strengthen its role as a gateway for trade and industry under CPEC.
Related stories:
