Education sector’s largest Solar Power Plant installed at UCP

With the depleting fossil fuel reserves and the ever increasing oil prices, renewable energy is without a doubt the future of energy independence in Pakistan. Realizing the need of adopting renewable energy sources, the University of Central Punjab (UCP) has installed one of Pakistan’s largest grid-tied Solar Power Plant in the education sector.

The initiative of installing 0.5 megawatts (MW) grid-tied Solar Power Plant was successfully completed and commissioned in a record period of 3 months with the partnership of UCP and Premier Energy.

The inauguration ceremony of the plant was attended by eminent personalities including; Deputy Secretary Energy; Government of Punjab; Mr. Ashar Abbas Zaidi, Chief Engineer (Power) Government of Punjab; Mr. Iftikhar Randhawa, and Country Head, Premier Energy, Mr. Daniyal Siddiqui.

This solar panel installation will enable UCP to produce 710 Mega Watt Hour of electricity per annum and as a result, it will reduce the carbon emission by 392 tons every year. It is also expected that the sophisticated technology including 5 bus bar solar modules, galvanized iron structure and Italian String Inverters shall entitle UCP to a clean, reliable and resilient energy system.

The cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency associated with the said installation undoubtedly is immense. And the aforementioned initiative takes Punjab Group of Colleges, one step closer to becoming Pakistan’s largest chain of Green Energy based educational institutes.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between UCP and Premier Energy. Under this MoU, both the partners shall collaborate in sharing the knowledgebase, database, human resource and will be conducting workshops, and setting up a solar lab for practical training of engineering students and relevant activities. The MoU aims to bridge the gap between academia and corporate sector, resulting in a long-term mutually beneficial relationship.

Pro-Rector UCP, Prof Dr. Muhammad Zafarullah formally inaugurated the 0.5 MW grid-tied Solar Power Plant. The inauguration ceremony was followed by an informative panel discussion where leaders from energy and various departments highlighted the significance and potential of renewable energy resources in general with an emphasis on solar energy.

A symbolic walk was also organized in favor of this green energy initiative titled as “GREEN WALK 2018” featuring all distinguished guests, head of departments and esteemed faculty members supporting renewable energy for a green future.