PRESS RELEASE:
Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System

The Government of Japan has extended a grant of Yen 480,000,000 (US $ 5.4 million) for the program” Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System” in Pakistan . Today. Mr. Sibtain Fazal Halim Secretary, Economic Affairs Division and H.E.Mr. Chihiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan signed the Exchange of Note on behalf of their respective Governments. The Grant Agreement was witnessed by the Head of Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA).

Under the Clean Energy Initiative, two on-grid solar power generation systems (100 KW each) will be installed under Grant-aid from the Government of Japan through JICA, one at Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and other at roof of Planning Commission’s building. The project will promote clean energy utilization and will help achieve emission reduction by installing the new system which will be connected to the national grid. The system is expected to reduce the gas emission, by replacing the part of electric power generated by fossil fuel and contribute to the climate change policy of Pakistan .

This project is first of its kind in the country, which would set precedent as a role model of defining procedures and strategy at the level for on-grid solar power generation and are expected to prove an effective measure to overcome the energy shortage, emphasizing on solar power, for which there is big scope with relatively less investment.

Mr.Chihiro Atsumi said that Japan is concerned about the challenges caused by the climate change in Pakistan , such as receding glaciers and lack of rain fall. During the Copenhagen conference held last month, Japan has committed to reduce the carbon emission, and Pakistan and Japan will try to utilize the solar energy to achieve this goal.

Secretary EAD, said that Government of Japan has deep and diversified relations with Pakistan , Japan is the biggest donor partner of Pakistan and continued its support in Education, Health, Energy, Environment and Disaster management. Japan has also helped in capacity building and institution building in Pakistan.

Pakistan engineering Council, Chairperson Ms.Rukhsana Zubari said that the launch of this project and the awareness created through media can lead to the solutions of energy problems. This system is economically viable and will also help in income generation, she added.