KARACHI: The Government of Sindh, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), organized a stakeholder engagement workshop in Karachi on August 08, 2024 for the 500MW Floating Solar Power Project on Kenjhar Lake, Thatta, Sindh.
According to the official press release, the workshop marked Sindh government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and develop high-impact SDG-aligned projects, showcasing the importance of innovative solutions to meet climate and energy challenges.
Provincial Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said the workshop will have far-reaching results, promoting private sector investment in the project. He expressed his views in a message addressed to the stakeholders on the occasion of the workshop.
Additional Secretary Energy Mehboob Syal highlighted the importance of the project and appreciated the progress towards the province’s renewable energy goals in his opening remarks.
Amara Durrani, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, and Glen Hodes, SDG Finance Specialist of UN DESA, participated in the discussion and emphasized the importance of innovative financing methods for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representatives of UNDP’s SDG Investment and Climate Finance Facility and Go Energy presented the details of the 500 MW floating solar power project, discussing technical and financial aspects to address information gaps and develop a common framework for its feasibility. Go Energy also highlighted the key features of the project.
An open discussion, moderated by UNDP Pakistan Climate Finance Expert Hameed Rasheed and Sindh Director Alternative Energy Mahfooz Qazi, followed the presentation. Participants discussed the project’s potential, challenges, and future steps to mobilize private sector investment and promote economic growth in Sindh.
Amara Durrani thanked the participants for their active participation in the workshop and sharing valuable ideas. She reiterated UNDP’s commitment to supporting Sindh government’s energy projects and implementing sustainable development projects through international partnerships.
In his concluding remarks, Mahfouz Qazi thanked UNDP Pakistan for supporting the feasibility studies of this important project and assured the full cooperation of the Government of Sindh to the project sponsors M/s Go Energy Pvt Ltd.