Karachi, In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing its commitment to sustainability and climate action, the Aga Khan University (AKU) has embarked on the installation of its most ambitious solar photovoltaic (PV) project yet. The project, which underscores the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, was officially launched during a signing ceremony with Exide Pakistan Limited, tasked with the project’s execution at AKU’s Stadium Road Campus in Karachi.
According to The Aga Khan University, this solar PV installation, set to be the university’s largest to date, will significantly enhance its renewable energy capacity. With 3.3 megawatts of solar PV to be installed across the campus’s remaining roofs and three large parking areas, the initiative not only promises to deliver clean energy but also to offer shaded parking for vehicles. Following the successful installation of 550 kilowatts of solar PV in 2022, this new phase aims for completion by April 2025, reflecting a significant step towards AKU’s decarbonization and sustainability objectives.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, highlighted the project as a pivotal element of the university’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change. This initiative represents both AKDN’s and AKU’s dedication to environmental stewardship and their response to the global call for renewable energy solutions.
The project is aligned with AKU’s broader goals of achieving net zero emissions by 2030, emphasizing the critical role of renewable energy alongside increased energy efficiency in buildings, equipment, and fostering behavioral changes within the university community. AKU’s comprehensive approach to emissions reduction is complemented by a close monitoring of its emissions footprint, in accordance with the University’s Decarbonisation Plan.
Mr. Altaf Hashwani, Director of Exide Pakistan Limited, lauded the collaboration between AKU and Exide Pakistan Limited as a significant contribution to clean energy production. He emphasized the project’s potential to serve as a model for renewable energy adoption across hospitals and universities, thereby amplifying its impact on sustainability efforts in various sectors.
The solar energy project is expected to significantly reduce AKU’s reliance on the K-Electric power grid, contributing to local air quality improvement and providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel dependency. By saving approximately 1,900 tonnes of CO2e annually—equivalent to the emissions from burning 800,000 litres of petrol—the initiative underscores AKU’s leadership in environmental responsibility and climate action, setting a precedent for institutions worldwide.