Aga Khan University (AKU) has embarked on its largest solar photovoltaic (PV) project to date, partnering with Exide Pakistan Limited for the installation at its Stadium Road Campus in Karachi, Pakistan. This initiative is part of AKU’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.
The signing ceremony to kick off the project highlighted the importance of renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean energy systems. With Pakistan’s high solar irradiation, solar PV is an ideal solution for energy generation in the country.
The project involves installing 3.3 megawatts of solar PV across the campus’s remaining roofs and three large parking areas, providing shade to parked cars. The phased installation is set to be completed by April 2025, contributing significantly to AKU’s decarbonization plan.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, AKU’s President, emphasized the institution’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action through renewable energy initiatives. The collaboration with Exide Pakistan Limited aims not only to benefit AKU but also to set a shining example for other institutions in promoting renewable energy and combating climate change.
The solar project will reduce CO2 emissions by 1900 tonnes annually, equivalent to the emissions produced by burning 800,000 liters of petrol in a car. This endeavor underscores AKU’s leadership in environmental stewardship and positions it as a role model in climate action, both locally and globally.
