LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that thePunjabgovernment will have to take lead for rapid progress in energy projects at every cost and find ways of generating energy through alternate sources.
He said that generation of energy is of great importance for the development of the country.
Shahbaz Sharif was addressing the meeting of Punjab Energy Council with regard to progress on energy projects atModelTownon Wednesday.
The meeting gave formal approval to the summary of a separate Secretariat for Punjab Energy Council.
Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Coordinator for Energy Shahid Riaz Gondal, MPA Ayesha Ghous Pasha, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board, concerned Secretaries and senior officials attended the meeting.
Shahbaz said that there should be a target of generating 1,000 megawatt electricity within next one year and all concerned departments should work round the clock for achieving this target.
He said that elimination of energy crisis is essential for accelerating the process of industrialisation, promotion of trade activities and strengthening economy.
He said that the promise of eliminating loadshedding made by PML-N with the people would be fulfilled at every cost. People have given mandate to PML-N for eliminating energy crisis, he said.
He said that generation of energy is of great importance for the development of the country and we have to march forward towards this direction without any delay.
Shahbaz Sharif said that a number of national and international companies are willing to install projects for generating energy, therefore, incentives model should be prepared for generating energy through alternate sources.
The Chief Minister while giving approval to a separate committee for running the affairs of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Cholistan said that NTDC should be directed to immediately start work of laying transmission line from Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park to Yazman. He said that provision of best facilities would be ensured in solar park.
He directed that immediate work should be started for infrastructure development in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park.
Shahbaz Sharif said that besides solar energy, steps should also be taken for immediately starting 100 megawatts energy generating projects through coal and biomass and a practicable plan should be submitted in this regard.
He directed that clear planning should be made for transportation of coal through Railways and by road.
The Chief Minister said that close liaison should be kept with the officials of Ministry of Water & Power for removing the hurdles in energy generating projects.
He said that Punjab government will install solar plant of 700 megawatts in the province through its own resources and land has been allocated in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park for this purpose.
He directed Punjab Energy Council to evolve a comprehensive planning for generating energy through solid waste and a plan on the pattern of Delhi model should be submitted.
Head of Finance Committee Ayesha Ghous Pasha and Secretary Energy Usman Bajwa gave detailed briefings to the Chief Minister with regard to energy projects.