GILGIT: In order to help mitigate the difficulties created by the electricity shortage in the region, Prince Rahim Aga Khan launched two solar power plants in Hunza on Sunday.

Prince Rahim, who is on a visit to Pakistan these days, launched the development of Duiker Solar Power Plant Phase II and Nasirabad Solar Power Plant, which have a combined capacity of 3.6 Megawatt Peak (MWp).

With a generation capacity of 1MWp, the phase I of the Duiker plant commenced operations in November 2023. The plant increased the daily power availability for more than 11,000 people, from 10 to 17 hours in summer and from 4 to 9 hours in winter.

Its phase II is estimated to expand generation capacity from 1MWp to 1.6MWp, and battery storage from 0.6MWh to 1MWh, providing increased electricity to an additional 8,760 people. Crucially, Duiker replaces diesel power generation, leading to an annual reduction of 1,100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The two projects will cost $6m

A 2MWp solar power plant with 1MWh battery storage will also be built in Nasirabad in lower Hunza.

This will supply electricity to an additional 23,400 people. This plant is expected to be commissioned in June 2025.

NPAK Energy Limited, a subsidiary of Industrial Promotion Services, the industrial and infrastructure development arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, is investing $6 million in these projects.

Project financing blends equity, sustainable debt, and grants. An additional $14m has been secured from development partners for the enhancement of the region’s energy infrastructure.

Over the next five years, NPAK Energy will mobilise additional investments in clean, sustainable sources of electricity across Hunza and surrounding areas, addressing the region’s acute energy deficit while contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2024