Tech transfer key to promoting clean energy
Technology transfer would play a key role in promoting much-needed renewable energy transition in Pakistan.
It was observed by speakers at an online meeting titled “Potential role of Chinese and Pakistan leaders in the renewable energy transition of Pakistan”, organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), in collaboration with the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organisation (GEIDCO).
Highlighting the role of various stakeholders, GEIDCO Development Bureau senior manager Zhang Xuan said it was important to promote and sustain green and low carbon sustainable development.
“Therefore, the government, private sector and civil society need to work together to support this sustainable transition,” she added.
Shedding light on the importance of such initiatives, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade Chief Executive Officer Hassan Daud said, “Pakistan is focusing on using indigenous energy sources and having diversified energy supply sources in accordance with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) long-term plan.”
He added that renewable projects were thriving in Pakistan and technology transfer and shifting of manufacturing units to solar power were of paramount importance to the sustainable clean energy transition in Pakistan. “Therefore, the government is willing to support Chinese state-owned and private companies in the best possible manner,” he mentioned.
GEIDCO Power Planning Research Acting Division Director Dr Gao Yi informed meeting participants that both the SDPI and GEIDCO were looking forward to clean energy transition in Pakistan.
The overall trend of renewable energy in South Asia, she said, was set to bring a significant drop to the cost of energy in the coming 30 years and the subsequent increase in energy demand would result in significant economic development in the region with huge potential of energy trade.
United Energy Power Limited (UEP Wind) Pakistan Director Tanveer Mirza was of the view that the renewable energy sector was relatively new in Pakistan but had developed at a very fast pace and had been luring investment from multilateral and other financial institutions.
However, the renewable energy sector in terms of policy and implementation has a lot of gaps.
He stated that the potential for manufacturing solar PVs and LED lights was greatly available for local consumption and export.
Speaking on the occasion, TBEA Company, China, International Business Director Shao Shan said, “Establishment of a long-term relationship and partnership between the two countries is the need of the hour.”
SDPI Head of Environment and Climate Change Unit Dr Imran Khalid earlier highlighted that greenhouse gas emissions and energy availability needed to be considered while drafting a policy for quick energy transition in Pakistan.
“Think tanks need to provide technical and social research support as well as communication support to ensure that the clean energy transition is sustainable,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 4th, 2020.
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