Call for cleaner energy transition

Experts highlight role of cost-effective alternatives to counter climate change

ISLAMABAD:

Energy experts have emphasised the urgent need for an energy transition in the country to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development.

The consensus among experts at a moot held on Sunday was that Pakistan must address challenges in the energy sector by exploring cost-effective and alternative energy resources.

They were speaking at a conference organised by the caretaker government in collaboration with the Information Service Academy (ISA) and the Alliance for Good Governance Foundation.

Experts highlighted the necessity for Pakistan to review its energy policy, emphasising the importance of exploring options such as solar, wind, and hydropower for cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. They said the current provision of costly fuel to domestic and commercial consumers is a failure or negligence of successive regimes. Cost-effective energy is crucial for economic survival, promoting industries and exports to address current account and trade deficits, they stressed.

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The experts also highlighted the role of cleaner energy in mitigating the effects of climate change, calling for a shift away from fossil fuels.

Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali expressed optimism about the future of renewable energy in Pakistan, emphasising the need to implement modern mechanisms for energy generation while safeguarding the environment, labour rights, social security, and industry. The minister highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with a just transition, stressing the contextual nature of these issues at local, regional, and national levels. He called for moving away from greenhouse gas-intensive economic activities and underlined the significance of international cooperation through mechanisms like 'Just Energy Transition Partnerships.'

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2023.