US project enhances Pakistan’s renewable energy capacity

USAID increases wind and solar capacity by approximately 50% by leveraging over $900 million, says official statement

Pakistan on Thursday appreciated the United States for greatly enhancing capacity of renewable energy projects by approximately 50% through its Sustainable Energy for Pakistan (SEP) project.

The statement comes after Pakistani officials and representatives from the US government celebrated the conclusion of the four-year Sustainable Energy for Pakistan (SEP) project, an official statement said on Thursday.

Through the SEP project, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) partnered with the Pakistani government to provide more affordable, and climate-friendly power to Pakistan’s national energy grid while fostering economic growth for the country, it added.

Speaking on the occasion USAID Mission Director Julie Koenen said that the SEP has contributed towards making the energy sector more competitive, modern, efficient, clean, and financially viable for Pakistanis. “I am hopeful that the impact of this work will go beyond the energy sector and benefit the entire economy of Pakistan.”

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Additional Secretary for the Ministry of Energy’s Power Division Waseem Mukhtar praised the USAID for its partnership, innovation and support in making Pakistan’s energy sector more sustainable.

Through this project, the USAID increased Pakistan’s wind and solar capacity by approximately 50% by leveraging more than $900 million in private investment and facilitating the addition of 860 megawatts of wind and solar projects.

The SEP also introduced and standardised several new technologies in Pakistan’s power sector, including smart meters, which the Pakistani government has expanded with its own funds.

The US government’s partnership with Pakistan’s energy sector spans many decades and covers a wide range of projects to help Pakistan modernise its energy sector and combat the effects of climate change.