ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament is now the first parliament in the world to be completely powered by solar energy.

Members of the National Assembly met for the first time while the lower house was being powered by solar power on Friday.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced that the solar panels in the house generate 80 MW of electricity, 62 MW of which are consumed by the National Assembly and 18 MW are contributed to the national grid.

The first ‘Net Metering’ license in the country was also issued to the National Assembly by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority.

A Net Metering system helps in delivering and adding surplus production of energy to the national grid. The project is also environment friendly because it reduces emissions of hazardous gases.

Speaker Sadiq acknowledged the assistance by the Chinese government in supporting the solar project.

He also thanked members of parliament, other employees at parliament and the media for their confidence and support in helping deliver a better future.

The solar project was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during the former’s visit to Pakistan last year.

The prime minister is expected to formally ‘switch on’ parliament’s solar program later in the month.

Knesset, the Israeli parliament also generates its own solar power but only 10 pc of its energy needs are met through solar electricity.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...