‘Pakistan can’t give up coal power plants early’
Assuming a Pakistan rupee to US dollar exchange rate of 290 in Afghan coal prices, this reduction would bring the price down to around Rs44,000 per tonne. photo: file
Experts at a public-private dialogue called for opting for innovative financing mechanisms and technological transformation to upscale renewable energy resources for a just and clean energy transition in the country.
The dialogue titled: "Beginning of the End Transitioning away from Coal: Forging an Orderly, Equitable and Just Energy Transition in Pakistan", was organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) as part of its Clean Energy Transition Programme on Wednesday.
The dialogue aimed to share the preliminary findings of an ongoing SDPI study with the stakeholders.
Ali Nawaz, Director-General (Coal), Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Ministry of Energy (Power Division) said that if we do a regional comparison, the coal power generation in Pakistan is way less than in other regional countries. “The coal power projects brought a paradigm shift in the lives of local communities of Thar region through their corporate social responsibility initiatives.”
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Pakistan needs huge financing for early retirement of coal power plants, he said, adding that the coal contributes to the energy security of Pakistan and its early retirement will pose bigger challenges, especially since the coal fleet of Pakistan is young, highly efficient, high on merit, and has legal constraints.
Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G) Specialist (Market Pricing & Simulations) Asadullah pointed out that energy access and affordability are the leading challenges in the country. He said the cost of externalities such as environmental social footprint is not a part of the government’s planning, whereas there is a need to develop such financial models. “Environmental sustainability should be our priority that is now the future,” he said. He maintained that the local coal resources are considered reliable, as they have limited effect on foreign exchange reserves and ensure the economic security of the country.
Asian Development Bank’s Senior Project Officer Ehtasham Khattak said the objective is not only to transition away from coal but to transition towards low-carbon fuels.
“It is incumbent upon the government to address concerns of the communities whose resources are being utilised for power generation,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2024.