ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Energy, Muhammad Ali, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to prioritize clean energy during a high-level meeting with Jacob Linulf, the Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Power Division in Islamabad and served as a platform to discuss significant developments in the energy sector.
Minister Ali underscored the global significance of the transition towards cleaner energy sources, emphasizing its direct correlation to the pressing issue of climate change. Given Pakistan’s heightened vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change, he stressed the nation’s duty to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change at the domestic level.
He further informed Ambassador Linulf about the recent approval of the National Electricity Plan 2023 by the Government of Pakistan. This strategic plan outlines specific guidelines, implementation mechanisms, and tools to facilitate the realization of the National Electricity Policy objectives within the power sector. Of particular note, the plan targets a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy sources, including hydropower, which is projected to account for 40 percent of the energy mix by 2025 and 60 percent by 2030.
Minister Ali expressed deep appreciation for Denmark’s support, rooted in their wealth of expertise and extensive experience in the field of clean energy. He underscored the importance of this partnership in guiding Pakistan’s transition towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy matrix, aligned with the nation’s commitments to climate change objectives and sustainable development goals.
Moreover, the meeting included a comprehensive update on the Danish Energy Transmission Initiative (DETI) project. During these discussions, a specific focus was directed toward the expansion of sustainable energy solutions, with a particular emphasis on wind and solar energy generation. The Power Sector’s pivotal role in contributing to climate change mitigation was reiterated, underlining the government’s steadfast commitment to driving the transition toward cleaner energy within Pakistan.
Minister Ali emphasized the critical importance of developing a coherent plan in collaboration with Denmark, given Denmark’s successful experience in the sphere of energy transition. The discussions also encompassed the thematic areas of the DETI project, encompassing energy planning, modeling, and the seamless integration of renewable energy sources.
Additionally, the delegates delved into preparations for the impending Conference of Parties (COP-28) meeting, where in-depth discussions are anticipated. These discussions will revolve around diverse scenarios, including green strategies, economic considerations, and the complexities of addressing grid constraints. The overarching goal is to create an environment that will attract maximum investments in green and sustainable energy solutions for Pakistan.
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To lay the foundation for future collaboration, both parties agreed on the necessity of conducting a meticulous analysis of the existing transmission and distribution network. This analysis aims to identify potential bottlenecks and subsequently devise recommendations for the integration of additional renewable energy capacity. A focal point in this discussion was the utilization of Interconnection Ready Zones (IRZs), which have been identified through a comprehensive study conducted by the World Bank.
Furthermore, it was highlighted that the DETI project would play a pivotal role in advising and implementing measures to alleviate the impact of seasonal variations in energy demand. These measures are essential for enhancing energy supply while upholding the stability of the energy distribution system. The minister emphasized that the Power Division’s overarching vision is to progressively decrease energy tariffs while gradually transitioning to indigenous energy resources.
Ambassador Jacob Linulf expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. He emphasized his personal dedication to elevating cooperation between the two countries to new heights, particularly in the context of clean energy initiatives.
This high-level meeting underscores the shared commitment of Pakistan and Denmark to address the challenges posed by climate change and to foster a sustainable and greener energy landscape for Pakistan’s future.
