Rawalpindi schools switch to solar energy

RAWALPINDI:

In an important step towards sustainable energy and modernization, the provincial education department has embarked on a project to convert the electricity systems of 86 government schools to solar energy.

This initiative, which covers 10 schools in Rawalpindi division, is supported by a substantial allocation of Rs500 million.

According to the plan, the first phase aims to convert these government schools to solar energy by May 31. The next phase should start on August 15, after the summer holidays.

The Minister of Education has taken proactive steps by sending letters to all school principals, divisional education directors and district education authorities, urging prompt action in selecting suitable school sites for installation of solar panels.

In addition, they have been given the task of facilitating access for representatives of the contracted solarization companies and of appointing contact persons to ensure timely completion of the project. For streamlined coordination, the ministry has also requested the names and contact details of these individuals.

With an ambitious target to transition all 47,000 government schools to solar energy within two years, the Ministry of Education has set aside significant funding in the new 2024-2025 provincial budget.

The first phase will prioritize 53 girls’ schools and 33 boys’ schools, chosen based on factors such as classroom occupancy and use of fans.

Four schools in Rawalpindi district alone are involved in this phase, besides two in Jhelum and Chakwal, and two in Lahore district. Moreover, the transition will begin on April 22 in other regions, including Faisalabad with five solar-powered schools, Gujranwala with two, Kasur with three and Sialkot with three.

The required solar panels and batteries have already been ordered and the installation process will begin immediately upon arrival. This initiative marks an important step towards sustainable infrastructure and paves the way for a better, greener future in the country’s education sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^NL2024.