Government Plans 500MW Floating Solar Project on Keenjhar Lake
The Pakistani government has unveiled plans to develop a 500-megawatt floating solar power project on Keenjhar Lake in Sindh, in what would represent one of the country's largest water-based renewable energy installations. The initiative is part of broader efforts to diversify Pakistan's energy mix and reduce dependence on costly thermal generation.
Keenjhar Lake, one of Pakistan's largest freshwater lakes and a designated Ramsar wetland site, offers extensive surface area suitable for floating photovoltaic infrastructure. Floating solar installations carry dual advantages of power generation and reduced water evaporation, which is significant given the lake's role as a freshwater reservoir.
The project aligns with Pakistan's renewable energy targets and would contribute materially to the national grid if commissioned at full capacity. However, environmental assessments will be essential given Keenjhar's ecological sensitivity as a protected wetland that supports migratory birds and local fishing communities.
No timeline for groundbreaking, investment figure, or developer identity has been officially disclosed, and the plan remains at the announcement stage. Energy sector analysts will watch for formal tendering and environmental clearance processes before assessing project viability.
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