LAHORE: The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) and the Department of Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to shift 355 public colleges in the province to solar energy.
Under the project, solar systems with a total capacity of 18,825 kilowatts will be installed in these colleges. The initiative, worth Rs2.94 billion, will be completed in three phases by 2028.
According to officials, the solarisation will help generate 24.47 million electricity units each year, resulting in annual savings of Rs1.34 billion.
The MoU also includes plans to set up 135 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in colleges. In addition, the Department of Energy will assist in shifting buildings of six other Punjab departments to solar energy, adding a combined capacity of 2,770 kilowatts.
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Punjab Minister for Higher and School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat said the project would help reduce energy costs, promote efficient power use, and support eco-friendly practices.
He added that once completed, the project would cut electricity expenses by up to 42 per cent, encouraging a green energy culture across Punjab.
