Solar Power to Drive Gwadar Port’s Future Operations
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, announced that work is actively underway to introduce solar-powered solutions to enhance the efficiency and operational capacity of Gwadar Port.
During a high-level meeting, also attended by Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haque Baloch, COPHCL Chairman My Yu Bo, Additional Secretary Umer Zaffer Shaikh, and Technical Advisor Jawad Akhtar, the minister highlighted that the initiative is part of the Prime Minister’s directive to overcome Gwadar’s critical challenges, including electricity shortages and water scarcity.
To achieve this, a dedicated sub-committee has been formed, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Federal Board of Revenue, Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar Development Authority, Quetta Electric Supply Company, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Their mandate includes reviewing the technical framework for solar energy implementation, recommending solar photovoltaic systems with battery storage for water facilities, and devising strategies to secure a reliable energy supply for the port and its surrounding infrastructure.
The plan also envisions solar macro grids at strategic points to power water pumps and the 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant, with integrated energy storage ensuring stability. This step is expected to make Gwadar increasingly self-reliant by reducing its dependence on costly and unreliable external energy sources.
According to the minister, the solar initiative will also provide reliable electricity to Gwadar International Airport and support the development of new industries within the Gwadar Free Zone. Moreover, it will ensure adequate water supply, as existing reserves can be effectively utilized if desalination and pumping plants operate without interruptions.
Industry assessments indicate Gwadar’s fisheries sector alone could save over a million dollars annually by replacing expensive diesel and inconsistent grid supply with solar power. Chaudhry emphasized that sustainable energy is vital not only to cut costs but also to safeguard Gwadar’s key industries, local livelihoods, and export competitiveness.