A solar energy project worth Rs. 110 million at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology has reportedly failed to achieve its intended objectives due to technical shortcomings and administrative delays, raising concerns over the effective use of public funds.
The project was financed by the Higher Education Commission under its Green Energy initiative and was designed to reduce electricity expenses while generating additional income through net metering.
According to university sources, the solar system is currently operating at only 40 to 50 percent of its planned capacity and has not resulted in significant reductions in electricity bills at the university’s Karachi campuses during the past year.
Sources said the on-grid solar installation was intended to be connected to the K-Electric network. However, the university reportedly lacked the required load sanction, preventing grid connectivity and making net metering impossible.
Officials estimate that the university must pay approximately Rs. 8.5 million per campus to obtain the necessary approvals and complete the connection process. Until then, only a portion of the electricity generated by the solar system can be consumed directly, while the remaining capacity remains unused.
The absence of battery storage facilities has created additional challenges, as excess electricity produced during the day cannot be stored for later use. As a result, the university reportedly continues to depend on generators during power outages despite possessing a large solar installation.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the quality of the project’s implementation. Sources have alleged issues related to wiring standards and earthing arrangements, with reports claiming that photographic and video evidence highlighting these shortcomings has surfaced.
The project includes a total installed capacity of 1,050 kWp across multiple university campuses. The initial phase comprised 250 kWp at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Campus, 220 kWp at the Islamabad Campus, and 80 kWp at the Abdul Haq Campus. Subsequent expansion added 400 kWp in Islamabad and another 100 kWp at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Campus.
The reported performance issues have sparked questions about project planning, implementation, and long-term sustainability, particularly given the significant public investment made to support renewable energy adoption in higher education institutions.
