In a major push toward clean energy and cost savings, the Punjab government has launched an ambitious plan to convert hundreds of public colleges to solar power. The Higher Education Department (HED) and the Department of Energy signed an MoU on Saturday that sets the stage for the solarization of 355 government colleges across the province.
The project carries a total estimated cost of Rs 2.94 billion and will be rolled out in three phases by 2028. Once completed, these institutions will collectively produce 18,825 kilowatts of solar energy.
Officials estimate that the new system will generate 24.47 million electricity units annually, allowing the provincial government to save around Rs 1.34 billion every year—a significant relief at a time of rising energy costs.
EV Charging Stations and Expansion to Other Departments
As part of the agreement, the government will also establish 135 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at participating colleges. This move is intended at supporting the growing shift toward electric transportation in the province.
The initiative isn’t limited to educational institutions. The Department of Energy has also committed to helping solarize the buildings of six additional government departments, which will add another 2,770 kilowatts of renewable capacity to the grid.
A Step Toward Sustainable Governance
Punjab’s Minister for Higher and School Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, described the project as a blend of environmental responsibility and financial foresight.
“This initiative shows that the government is serious about reducing costs without compromising public services,” he said. “Once completed, it will cut energy expenses by up to 42 percent and help embed a long-term culture of green energy across Punjab’s public education system.”
He added that the shift to solar will also reduce dependency on the national grid and protect institutions from frequent power shortages that disrupt teaching and administrative work.
Best Model for Other Provinces
Energy professionals are considering the project one of the largest public-sector solarization efforts in the country. If successful, officials keep on believing that it could serve as a replicable model for other provinces looking to manage soaring energy bills while transitioning toward clean power.
With work set to begin soon, the initiative is displaying a strong commitment by Punjab to
- Clean energy
- Financial efficiency
- Long-term sustainability