The Council under Prime Minister's Initiative for Solar Power (PMISP) has launched this programme to install 600 watt to 5 KW stand alone solar power systems at selected sites that include universities, polytechnics, public and religious places.

A senior official at PEC on Sunday told APP that solar units have already been installed at Quaid-e-Azam's Mazar, Baitul Mukkarram Mosque, Ram Mandir, Abdullah Shah Ghazi's Mazar and work is in progress at other places.

The work on this project is in progress for which Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has extended support. To start with, the official said two solar electricity generation systems of 180 KW each will be installed at PEC building and Planning Commission.

The smart-grid can turn Pakistan into energy self-sufficient, the official said and added PEC is trying to make the solar energy accessible and viable business for common man. The six- storeyed building of the PEC will be converted on solar energy by 2012 after solar project's completion.

The new system is a way forward to completely overcome energy shortage as the solar system to be installed by the people in their places, will be connected with the grid system to pass on surplus power to the main power system.

The official said PEC is determined to popularise this new solar system throughout the country as this is the best way forward for producing energy at lower rates in the long run.

The other initiative is to transforming lighting system of PEC to energy savers and energy efficient LEDs. It has also established Pakistan Institute of Cost and Contracts (PICC) to maintain city-wise cost data of all construction input.

The PEC is also working on inclusion of energy conservation a part of syllabus for all students of schools, colleges and universities.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011