The Energy Department of Sindh, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), has conducted a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop for the 500 MW Floating Solar Power Project at Keenjhar Lake, Thatta. The workshop is a key part of a larger initiative designed to boost private sector investment through feasibility studies, investor matchmaking, and presentations at the SDGs Investment Fair.
The workshop, held at a local Hotel on Thursday, brought together representatives from various government departments of the Government of Sindh, including the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit and the Departments of Energy, Irrigation, Investment, Agriculture, and Forests. MehboobSiyal, Additional Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Sindh, delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the project’s importance in advancing the province’s renewable energy goals. Ms. AmmaraDurrani, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP Pakistan, and Mr. Glenn Hodes, SDG Finance Specialist at UN DESA, provided context for the discussion, highlighting the crucial role of innovative financing approaches in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Representatives from the UNDP SDG Investment and Climate Finance Facility and Go Energy gave a presentation on a 500 MW floating solar power project.
The presentation covered the project’s technical and financial parameters to fill any information gaps and establish a collaborative framework for developing its feasibility. Go Energy also highlighted the project’s key features. An open discussion followed, moderated by Hamid Rashid, Climate Finance Expert at UNDP Pakistan and MehfoozQazi, Director Alternative Energy, Sindh. Participants engaged in a robust dialogue on the project’s potential, challenges, and the next steps to mobilize private sector investment and drive economic growth in Sindh.
Ms. AmmaraDurrani, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP Pakistan, expressed her gratitude for the active participation and valuable insights shared during the workshop. She reiterated UNDP’s commitment to supporting Sindh Government energy initiatives and leveraging international partnerships to bring sustainable development projects to fruition.
The workshop marks a significant step in the Government of Sindh’s efforts to attract foreign investment and develop high-impact, SDG-aligned projects. The collaborative approach between the Government of Sindh, UNDP, and UN DESA sets a strong foundation for future projects.
It underscores the importance of innovative solutions in addressing climate and energy challenges. In his Remarks, MehfoozQazi Thanked the UNDP Pakistan for supporting the feasibility studies of this important project at Keenjhar Lake and assured full support on behalf of the Government of Sindh to the project Sponsors Ms/Go Energy Pvt Ltd.