ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Minister for Energy Muhammad Ali has displayed the government strategy to meet future oil and gas requirements in an efficient manner by stepping up hydrocarbon exploration activities in potential areas throughout the country.
While talking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the ADIPEC (Abu Dhabi International Progressive Energy Congress) Conference in Abu Dhabi the minister said that the government was coming up with a tight policy for shale gas and has already announced bids for onshore exploration with a follow announcement in December for offshore exploration.
Muhammad Ali further said Pakistan has a strong and significant presence at ADIPEC this year, with around 10 companies from the oil marketing, exploration, and related sectors, and termed it a promising start while having a remarkable response. “All of the companies from Pakistan are actively engaged in the conference with an optimistic response from the stakeholders”, Ali said.
The Energy Minister laid emphasis on decarbonization and electrification, adding that they were critical components of Pakistan’s energy strategy for the days to come.
He said that these aspects got little attention in the past, however, now the government was focusing on them with a strong commitment to several initiatives in energy conservation, electrification efforts, and the re-purposing of natural gas for power generation to electrify appliances and vehicles.
Regarding decarbonization to have environment-friendly engagements, the minister said that the Climate Ministry was actively engaged in setting up carbon funds whereas the Energy Ministry was planning to come up with a comprehensive carbon policy.
In continuation of engagement with world energy corporations, Minister of Energy @magmmz held a meeting with KUFPEC (Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company). This meeting was done on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference ADIPEC 23 pic.twitter.com/Zs8R2FLByd
— Ministry of Energy-Power Division, Government of P (@MoWP15) October 3, 2023
Renewable Energy Projects in Pakistan
Muhammad Ali said Pakistan was working on renewable energy projects and to improve energy efficiency, and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Pakistan was also looking to different partners in the Middle East for assistance to achieve its decarbonization goals, he said.
“The Middle East has very equipped and advanced technologies and players in the energy sector and Pakistan can benefit from their expertise”, the minister said.
Ali further said that ADIPEC was a major platform for collaboration between the global energy industry and relevant governments adding that the conference was a great opportunity to bring together decision-makers, experts, and investors to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the energy sector.
