Caretaker Power and Petroleum Minister Muhammad Ali emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing the share of renewable energy and hydropower projects. This focus aims to reduce energy costs by improving the overall energy mix, despite challenges in project financing.
Government Priority: Sustainable Energy Mix
Ali highlighted the importance of sustaining efforts to enhance the contribution of renewable energy and hydropower in the energy mix. Currently, hydel and renewable energy constitute 31% of the total energy mix, a figure the government aims to elevate to 61% by 2030 under the national energy policy.
Mega Projects in Progress
Significant projects, including the 4,200MW Dasu hydropower project, 800MW Mohmand dam, and 4,500MW Diamer-Basha dam, are underway. However, Ali acknowledged that financing remains a major challenge for these mega projects.
Energy Conservation Initiatives
Minister Ali underscored the potential for energy savings through the use of energy-efficient fans, estimating a conservation of 3,000-4,000MW across the country.
Private Investment and Future Outlook
Dr. Shahjan Mirza, Managing Director of the Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), highlighted the benefits of both renewable and hydropower projects for the environment and economy. While attracting private investment for hydropower projects is challenging, the government’s goal to reach a 61% share of renewable energy and hydropower by 2030 is expected to attract around $100 billion in investment.
Transformative Impact
CEO of Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO), Engineer Muhammad Naeem, emphasized the transformative potential of renewable energy for the country’s future, affecting industry, consumers, climate, and the economy. PEDO is actively involved in developing small hydropower projects in remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contributing to local power supply at affordable rates.
Source：dawn.com
