Dastgir-led team attends ‘Future Energy Asia 2023 Conference’ in Bangkok

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s delegation attended the Future Energy Asia conference 2023 organized by the USAID in Bangkok. The delegation was led by the Federal Minister of Energy Khurram Dastgir.

The delegation comprised of three additional members including Additional Secretary Power Division Amjad Majeed Khan, MD Private Power & Infrastructure Board (PPIB) Shah Jahan Mirza and Director Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) Syed Aqeel Hussani Jaffri.

The agenda of the conference was “Emerging Clean Energy Investment Opportunities in Pakistan”. In the conference, the minister discussed the vision of Pakistan’s transition to clean energy and the goals set in the National Electricity Policy 2021. These goals are to be achieved by 2030 and are in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Pakistan’s progress so far was shared as the clean energy mix of Pakistan has surpassed 6% with an installed capacity of 2436MW. The importance of solar and wind energy projects was discussed as the Wind Corridor in Sindh holds great contribution potential for the transition to Alternative Renewable Energy (ARE).

Pakistan’s 2030 vision aims at the smooth transition to ARE to 60% by 2030 by phasing out the dependence on fossil fuel. It also includes increasing the quantity of electric vehicles to 30% by 2030. The Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir highlighted that the share of Pakistan in the global emissions is only 0.8% yet it is among the top ten most climate-stressed countries.

“Pakistan is a victim of pollution emitted by others,” said Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir.

ARE projects and potential was highlighted in the conference. Gul Ahmad and Metro Wind projects have a capacity of 2×50 MW.

The Prism Energy Rooftop Solar Project has a capacity of 8.9 MW with seven solar parks across different cities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a 10000MW solar initiative and the bidding of first 600MW will be done by the end of this month.

The event concluded with appreciating the fact that Pakistan has a large young population and a great potential to transition to a clean energy mix. Pakistan was recognized as an emerging showcase for all the technologies to generate renewable energy. Pakistan awaits great opportunities in this regard.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023