Islamabad, Feb 23 (IANS): Pakistan's parliament on Tuesday earned the unique distinction of becoming the world's first legislature whose entire electricity needs are met by solar power.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated the solar power plant at the Parliament House in Islamabad, The News International reported.

With the formal inauguration of the 1.8 MW solar power plant, the entire electricity system of the Parliament House has now been completely shifted to solar power -- making it the first and only such parliament building in the world.

The solar panels installed on the roof of the Parliament House are estimated to help save about 28 million Pakistani rupees ($267,265) worth of annual electricity bills. 

Speaking on the occasion, Sharif said 2018 would be the year that marks the end of the energy crisis in Pakistan. He said he was personally monitoring power projects, some of which would be completed this year while the remaining would be completed the next year.

He vowed to end Pakistan's energy crisis before the end of his term.

Last year, the Chinese government had provided a grant to set up the solar power system as an alternative source of energy to meet electricity needs of the Parliament House here.