Author: Admin

Cost of Diamer-Bhasha Dam Rises by Rs570 Billion, Completion Delayed to 2032

Admin
water resources

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Water Resources informed the National Assembly on Monday that the cost of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam has surged to Rs1,049 billion, a sharp increase from the initially approved Rs479 billion. The dam’s completion, originally scheduled for February 2029, has been pushed to December 2032—a 22-month delay. During the question hour, the ministry attributed the cost escalation to various factors, including: Exchange Rate Impact: The dollar exchange rate increased from Rs105.3 in 2018 to Rs278.3, contributing Rs178 billion to the revised cost.Seismic Safety Enhancements: Design changes based on…

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Provincial Solar Panel Distribution Sparks Policy Challenges

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Floating Solar

ISLAMABAD: The widespread adoption of solar energy, driven by provincial government initiatives to provide free or subsidized solar panels to low-income households, has left policymakers grappling with its financial and systemic implications. The matter was recently highlighted in a power sector meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The Sindh government plans to distribute solar panels to 200,000 households, while Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa aim to supply 100,000 each, and Balochistan targets 50,000. Additionally, wealthy individuals, agricultural users, and commercial and industrial entities are transitioning to solar due to soaring electricity…

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Govt Admits Internet Issues Linked to Security Concerns

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internet issues

ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday tacitly acknowledged in the National Assembly that it was responsible for ongoing internet disruptions and social media monitoring, citing security concerns as the driving factor. “Pakistan faces significant security threats, necessitating a controlled approach. We cannot leave social media unregulated like other countries,” stated Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat Sajid Mehdi. His comments came in response to opposition criticism over slow internet speeds and alleged restrictions on online platforms. The debate arose during a calling attention notice from JUI-F lawmaker Aliya Kamran regarding sluggish internet…

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OGDCL Revives Heavy Oil Well in Chakwal, Enhances Production at Rajian Oil Field

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Heavy Oil Well in Chakwal

ISLAMABAD, December 16, 2024: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan’s leading exploration and production company, has successfully revived a heavy oil well in the Northern Region field, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s energy sector. The initiative was undertaken at the Rajian Oil Field located in Gujar Khan Exploration License (E.L.), district Chakwal, and is part of OGDCL’s strategic moves to enhance production capabilities. Earlier, the field’s four heavy oil-producing wells were contributing 1,500 barrels per day (BPD). With the successful completion of the revival process, the…

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UK Unveils Ambitious Clean Power 2030 Plan: 45 GW Solar and 22 GW BESS Targets

Admin
soalr energy

LONDON, Dec 16: The UK government has set ambitious targets under its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, aiming for a dramatic expansion of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support its net-zero goals. The plan, unveiled on December 13, 2024, outlines the addition of 30 GW of solar capacity by 2030, bringing the total to 45-47 GW, alongside a fivefold increase in BESS capacity to 22-27 GW. Solar Energy GrowthThe new solar targets align with recommendations by the National Electricity System Operator (NESO) and represent a doubling of…

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