ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Environment and the Rural Support Programmes Network Thursday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for facilitation in implementing of domestic biogas programme.
The objective of the Rs2.8 million programme is to establish a commercially viable biogas sector. Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN) is a strategic platform for the RSPs, providing them with capacity building support and assisting them in policy advocacy and donor linkages.

Environment Director General Javed Ali Khan and RSPN Chief Executive Officer Shandana Khan signed the document, while Mr Afridi was the chief guest of the signing ceremony.

The environment ministry would be the patron of the programme and would facilitate in coordination amongst different government institutions for its successful implementation.

RSPN would host the programme under its ‘Special Projects Wing’ for its first year. An important function of this incubation period was to develop the programme as a separate and autonomous entity in which the interests of stakeholders from private sector, government and civil society were represented.






LAHORE: The Environment Protection Department (EPD) is initiating a solar energy project in southern Punjab, an official told Dawn.

The project cost is about Rs84 million and Rs34.505 million has been earmarked for the current year, says EPD Director General Shagufta Shahjahan.

She says two types of alternate energy packages will be introduced under the project. One package shall provide only solar lights while the other shall provide solar lights as well as fans. Only 20 per cent of the price shall be paid by beneficiaries and the remaining 80 per cent by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

The project targets rural areas of southern Punjab. District offices of the EPA Punjab will be used for collection of applications for solar packages, distribution, training and interaction with applicants and follow up action.

EPA will make arrangements for the training of electricians and technicians from various cities of Punjab at its field offices for installation, repair and maintenance of solar systems. Those successfully completing the training shall be issued certificates.

Solar technologies are almost maintenance free and solar panels usually have a lifespan of 25 years. Solar package providers will be responsible for operation and maintenance of installations for one year. After one year consumers will be responsible for operation and management of the systems.

Solar lights and fans will be installed in all EPA field offices for a demonstration. Under this project two types of solar packages will be offered to southern Punjab people, especially those living in non-electrified rural areas.

Ms Shahjahan said the rising electricity cost and shortage of supply were serious concerns and there was a dire need to supplement energy supplies through alternate means. She said solar technologies were environment friendly and had low operational cost along with portability and usage. Investment made through instant intervention will sensitise urban and rural communities about the uses of sunlight, which is available everywhere in the country in abundance, she added.

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