ISLAMABAD: The government is likely to switch 30,000 tube wells to solar power from conventional electricity in Balochistan to reduce their operational costs.

The Power Division of the Ministry of Energy said the Balochistan government agreed on Thursday to complete feasibilities within one month for installation of solar tube wells.

It said the decision was taken on special instructions of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who believed that solar power would not only be cost-effective for the farmers but also minimise the financial pressure on the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) and the government.

An official agreed that cheap operations of tube wells could have negative effect on ground water table due to over-exploitation as the province was already water stressed but added the agricultural requirements were also a key factor.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Government of Balochistan, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning and Power Division.It was decided that both QESCO and the provincial government will jointly prepare a workable document spanning over the technical modalities as well the financial proposals for installation of these tubules within the time frame.

Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Laghari said the government was currently paying Rs23 billion per year as subsidy for these 30,000 tube wells, which are consuming 900 megawatts, and their conversion to solar power will result in reducing the burden on the national exchequer.

Besides the conversion will also lead towards ensured power supply on affordable rates to the agriculturists and help increase crop yield and productivity, he added.

The minister said the all illegal connection associated with these tube wells will also be exposed and proper action can be taken, he added.

The meeting was informed that federal government was ready to invest in the solar tube wells and will extend all out support in this regard. This step is bound to encourage off- grid solution for the far-flung areas of Balochistan in the near future, the meeting was informed.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2017