Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced a comprehensive plan to power Gwadar Port with solar energy in an effort to boost operational efficiency and reduce the port’s reliance on external power sources. The initiative, detailed in a press release by the ministry, comes as part of renewed efforts to fully utilize Gwadar’s potential as a key maritime hub. Despite being constructed more than a decade ago, Gwadar Port has struggled to reach its intended capacity, prompting the federal government to accelerate projects aimed at transforming it into a regional transshipment center. Earlier this month, Gwadar Port Authority and a Chinese company reached an agreement to increase investments at the port, marking another step towards improving its infrastructure and global competitiveness.
During a high-level meeting, Chaudhry explained that the port’s power strategy will be built around solar-based solutions designed to enhance its operational capability throughout the year. A sub-committee has been established to oversee planning and execution, with its responsibilities including the deployment of solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage solutions for water facilities, and strategies to improve the region’s overall power supply. The committee is also tasked with developing solar power distribution systems integrated with storage to guarantee a reliable supply for essential infrastructure, including Gwadar Port Authority itself. Representation in the sub-committee spans across multiple federal and provincial bodies, including the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Federal Board of Revenue, Gwadar Development Authority, Quetta Electric Supply Company, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Chaudhry emphasized that the project will include the establishment of micro solar grids across the port, strategically placed to meet the year-round energy demands of the area. These grids are expected to power critical facilities such as water pumps and the 1.2 million gallons per day desalination plant. He stressed that once operational, the solar initiative will directly facilitate the growth of new factories in the Gwadar Free Zone and ensure consistent power for Gwadar International Airport, both of which are crucial to the region’s economic prospects. By achieving energy self-sufficiency through locally generated solar power, Gwadar will be less vulnerable to national grid shortages and will strengthen its role as a strategic economic hub.
The minister also highlighted that the transition to renewable energy carries significant benefits for local industries, particularly the fishing sector, which remains central to Gwadar’s economy. He noted that shifting to solar power could save the fishing industry over a million dollars annually, protecting livelihoods while reducing operating costs. According to him, solar energy is not simply a matter of cutting expenses but also of safeguarding a flagship industry that sustains thousands of families and plays an important role in Pakistan’s export markets. By aligning clean energy with industrial development, the government aims to create long-term resilience for both businesses and communities.
Key officials attended the meeting, including Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Noorul Haque Baloch, Chairman COPHCL My Yu Bo, Additional Secretary Maritime Ministry Umer Zaffer Shaikh, and Technical Advisor Jawad Akhtar. Their presence underscored the multi-stakeholder approach being adopted to ensure that Gwadar’s renewable energy plans are realistic, scalable, and aligned with broader development goals. Chaudhry reiterated that his ministry is working closely with the Planning Ministry and other institutions to tackle Gwadar’s long-standing challenges of power and water scarcity. In his view, the solar plan is not just a technical project but a critical enabler for economic transformation, opening the door for new industries, better connectivity, and improved quality of life for residents in the region.
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