Bringing solar power to 12,000 schools in Punjab, Pakistan

12,000 schools across Punjab province in Pakistan are set to enjoy clean and consistent electrification for 12 months of the year due to a mass solarisation project supported by Crown Agents.

In line with investment targets set by the Asian Development Bank, the project is expected to increase pupil attendance in rural areas, with a special focus on communities where female enrolment has been lowest

The first phase of the solar schools programme focused on five districts across southern Punjab, which are in the bottom 40% of districts nationwide in terms of enrolment, infrastructure and gender parity . Schools in the south are far behind the North with around 70 girls enrolled for every 100 boys at primary school age.

With reliable electrification throughout the academic year, the quality of education and learning environment will radically improve. This in turn will encourage more parents to send their children to school and boost learning outcomes in south of the province.

Senior Energy Adviser Jordan Fast spent seven months leading the quality assurance and inspections components of the project from the offices of Crown Agents Pakistan-based partner Tracom Private Limited (TPL). Explaining why the project was needed, Crown Agents’ involvement and contribution to its success, Jordan says:

“The government of Punjab tapped into the $350,000,000 clean energy investment fund set up by the Asian Development Bank which primarily sets targets for getting more kids into school, especially girls.

“Geographically Punjab is rural and characterised by flat terrain and good solar resources.