KARACHI: The Pakistani government has announced plans to develop a 500-megawatt floating solar power project at Keenjhar Lake in Sindh, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to clean, renewable energy. The project, estimated to cost $243.63 million, is projected to generate approximately 861.91 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, operating at a capacity factor of 19.6%.
The electricity generated by the facility will be supplied to K-Electric under a long-term power purchase agreement. A letter of intent has already been secured from K-Electric, and the process to select Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractors through competitive bidding is currently underway. The Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company has also signed a memorandum of understanding with GO Energy Private Limited to facilitate power transmission from the project site.
Situated 137 kilometres from Karachi on the surface of Keenjhar Lake, one of Sindh’s largest freshwater bodies, the project will utilise approximately 1,606 acres of the lake’s surface to accommodate nearly one million solar panels. The floating design offers dual advantages: it eliminates land acquisition challenges associated with conventional solar installations and leverages the natural cooling effect of water to improve panel efficiency and overall energy output.
The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s 2030 emissions reduction targets and is part of a broader national push to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on costly imported fossil fuels. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, with commercial operations projected to begin by 2028. The project is also anticipated to generate significant employment during both the construction and operational phases.
However, the project has drawn concern from local fishing communities and environmentalists. As Keenjhar Lake falls within a designated Ramsar wetland site, experts have flagged potential risks to migratory bird habitats and local fisheries, underscoring the need for thorough environmental oversight throughout the project’s development.
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