Pakistan targets 30% electric vehicles by 2030

Eyes smooth transition to 60% renewable energy goal in next seven years

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s 2030 vision is aimed at a smooth transition to the alternative renewable energy (ARE) goal of 60% at the end of 2030 by phasing out dependence on fossil fuel and increasing the ratio of electric vehicles to 30%.

It was highlighted at the Future Energy Asia Conference 2023, organised by USAID in Bangkok and attended by a delegation from Pakistan.

The delegation, led by Federal Minister of Energy Khurram Dastgir, comprised Power Division Additional Secretary Amjad Majeed Khan, Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) Managing Director Shah Jahan Mirza and Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) Director Syed Aqeel Hussain Jaffri.

The agenda of the conference was “Emerging Clean Energy Investment Opportunities in Pakistan”.

The energy minister highlighted Pakistan’s transition to clean energy and the goals set in the National Electricity Policy 2021. These goals are to be achieved by 2030 and are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He shared the progress Pakistan had made so far as the country’s clean energy mix crossed 6% with an installed capacity of 2,436 megawatts.

Underscoring the importance of solar and wind energy projects, Pakistan’s delegation stressed that the Sindh wind corridor held a great potential to contribute to the transition to ARE.

The minister pointed out that the share of Pakistan in global greenhouse gas emissions was only 0.8%, yet it was among the top 10 most climate-stressed countries. “Pakistan is a victim of pollution emitted by others,” he remarked. Among Pakistan’s ARE schemes are Gul Ahmed and Metro wind projects that have a capacity of 2x50 megawatts.

Prism Energy Rooftop Solar Project has a capacity of 8.9MW with seven solar parks in different cities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also announced a 10,000MW solar initiative and bidding for the first 600MW generation capacity would be held by the end of May.

The event concluded with the observation that Pakistan had a large young population and a great potential to transition to clean energy. It was recognised as an emerging showcase for technologies required to produce renewable energy.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2023.

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