In a major push for renewable energy, the Punjab government has launched a Rs2.94 billion project to solarize 355 public colleges across the province by 2028. The initiative, led by the Higher Education Department (HED) and the Department of Energy, aims to promote clean and cost-efficient power generation in educational institutions.
According to officials, the solarization of 355 colleges will be carried out in three phases, providing a total installed capacity of 18,825 kilowatts. Once completed, the project is expected to generate around 24.47 million units of electricity annually, saving the provincial government approximately Rs1.34 billion each year.
As part of the agreement, 135 electric vehicle (EV) charging centers will also be established in participating colleges to encourage sustainable mobility. Moreover, the Department of Energy will extend support to solarize the buildings of six other provincial departments, adding another 2,770 kilowatts of renewable capacity.
Punjab Minister for Higher and School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and fiscal discipline.
“Once completed, this initiative will cut energy costs by up to 42 percent and foster a strong green energy culture within Punjab’s public education sector,” the minister stated.