Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister announces solar energy initiative to enhance Gwadar Port’s operations and sustainability. Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, that Gwadar Port in Balochistan will transition to solar energy to improve efficiency and address power shortages. The initiative, aimed at maximizing the port’s potential, involves installing solar photovoltaic systems and microgrids, as outlined in a ministry press release.
Why This Matters in South Asia
Gwadar Port, a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is pivotal for regional trade and connectivity in South Asia. Powering Gwadar Port via solar energy could enhance its role as a transhipment hub, fostering economic growth and sustainable development in Pakistan while strengthening ties with regional partners like China.
Solar Energy Initiative for Gwadar Port
During a meeting focused on enhancing Gwadar Port’s operations, Minister Chaudhry revealed plans to implement solar-based solutions to meet the port’s energy demands. A sub-committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Gwadar Development Authority, Quetta Electric Supply Company, Federal Board of Revenue, and the Prime Minister’s office, has been tasked with developing an efficient solar energy plan.
The sub-committee will design solar power distribution systems integrated with battery storage to ensure a reliable energy supply for critical infrastructure, including the port and its 1.2 MGD desalination plant. Micro solar grids will be established at strategic locations to power water pumps and support the Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar International Airport.
According to Maritime Affairs Minister Chaudhry, the initiative “will be fully functional soon,” though no precise deployment date has yet been shared. Dr Chaudhry emphasised that the initiative aims to make Gwadar self-sufficient by reducing reliance on external energy sources. “The shift to solar energy is not only a matter of reducing expenses but also vital to protecting the city’s flagship fishing industry, which supports local livelihoods,” he said, noting potential savings of over USD 1 million for the sector.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The move to solar energy aligns with efforts to address Gwadar’s chronic power and water scarcity issues. The ministry is collaborating with the planning ministry and other stakeholders to resolve these challenges, which have hindered the port’s development since its establishment over a decade ago. By powering Gwadar Port via solar energy, the government aims to facilitate new factories in the Gwadar free zone and enhance the port’s capacity as a regional transhipment centre.
The initiative is expected to bolster Gwadar’s fishing industry, a key economic driver, by ensuring a stable power supply for processing and export activities. This could strengthen Pakistan’s position in regional export markets, particularly for seafood, while promoting sustainable energy practices in Balochistan.
Collaborative Efforts and Investments
The meeting, attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority Noorul Haque Baloch, Chairman COPHCL My Yu Bo, Additional Secretary Maritime Ministry Umer Zaffer Shaikh, and Technical Advisor Jawad Akhtar, underscored the government’s commitment to revitalising Gwadar Port.
Earlier in August 2025, the GPA signed a Letter of Intent with the Chinese firm Xinning Enterprise, represented by Yi Jiang, to stimulate major industrial and commercial investments in the port and its Free Zone—covering plans to develop Gwadar as a regional transshipment hub, launch new industrial projects, and optimise existing facilities . However, neither the GPA nor COPHCL have issued an official statement responding to the warnings, and past monsoon seasons have highlighted persistent delays in waste clearance and drain maintenance.
On July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced plans to expand Gwadar Port’s operational capacity by introducing new shipping lines and a ferry service linking Pakistan with Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In January 2025, the government also sought private sector support to route cargoes through Gwadar, reflecting a multi-pronged approach to enhance the port’s functionality.
Background
Gwadar Port, located on Balochistan’s Arabian Sea coast, is a flagship project of CPEC, a multi-billion-dollar initiative under China’s Belt and Road framework. Despite its strategic importance, the port has faced challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and energy shortages, limiting its operational capacity. The government’s renewed focus on Gwadar aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime sector and boost regional trade connectivity.
What’s Next
The sub-committee is expected to submit its solar energy plan soon, paving the way for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and microgrids. The initiative to power Gwadar Port via solar energy could set a precedent for sustainable infrastructure development in Pakistan, potentially attracting further investments and enhancing the port’s role in South Asian trade networks.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 27th, 2025
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