Gilgit-Baltistan is set to receive a major boost in renewable energy after the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a 100MW solar photovoltaic project worth nearly Rs25 billion.
The decision follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to G-B earlier this week, where he rolled out a Rs4 billion flood relief package and unveiled plans for the solar power plant and a new Danish School for disadvantaged children.
The project, already cleared by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), will be implemented across 13 districts in three phases. Skardu will benefit first with 18.958MW, followed by Hunza (6.005MW), Gilgit (28.013MW), and Diamer (13.126MW) in the second phase. The final phase will deliver 16.096MW to the remaining districts, while 18.162MW of off-grid systems will power hospitals and government offices.
Costing Rs24.957 billion, the scheme is expected to be completed in three years. Authorities say it will help address chronic electricity shortages in the remote mountainous region while supporting critical services like healthcare and governance.