PPAF-KfW inaugurate solar energy projects in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

SWABI, March 16: Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has inaugurated 197 KW state of the art Solar Energy Mini-Grids Projects in District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project completed with the financial support of German Development Bank (KfW) in the the village Jabba. The completion of the project would not only help in socio-economic mainstreaming of around 801 individual residing in the off-grid areas but also serve to conserve natural resources.
The solar energy mini grids are providing a renewable and a sustainable source of electricity to local schools, lighting up households and enabling small enterprises in the poorest communities. Amongst others, Ms. Antonia Peters, First Secretary, Embassy Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Sebastian Jacobi, Director, KfW Islamabad, Mr Nadir GulBarech, COO, PPAF, Mr Shams Badruddin, Group Head, local elders and members of civil society organizations also attend the inaugural ceremony.
Under this collaborated endeavor, several hydropower & renewable energy (HRE) projects have already been completed in the province. The mini-grid solar systems, implemented in small villages of districts Swabi and Karak, have a total capacity of 197kW and 185kW and jointly provide electricity from indigenous and clean energy resource to about 434 households within these districts. It is pertinent to mention here that 24 Solar mini-grid systems with total capacity of 119 kW in off-grid villages of LakkiMarwat have already been completed.
Ms Antonia Peters, on the occasion said, “The German government is committed to enhance its contribution in renewable energy and climate action initiatives in Pakistan. We’re confident in Pakistan’s potential to reach its target of 60% energy production coming from renewable energy sources in the next 8 years.
It was definitely an enlightening experience for me to see the solar lighting project in person today. I’m delighted to see how PPAF, NRSP and people of Jabba have made this project a success and am impressed with the responsibility which the community has taken for the maintenance of this project. I hope that it will continue to bring light and prosperity to this village for many years.”
Mr Sebastian Jacobi, Director, KfW Islamabad, asserted that we are pleased to see this important solar lighting system project which is funded by the government of Germany completed. Power supply is the basic need of every community across the world and is important for the development of the area. “I’m glad to see this infrastructure working and running which is a sign of the ownership n commitment of the community. I would like to thank PPAF, NRSP and people of Jabba for their excellent cooperation to make this project a success,” Me Jacobi added.
Mr Nadir GulBarech, COO, PPAF, while sharing his thoughts said, “I believe that this project is a real game-changer in uplifting the local communities sustainably. – PR