Amid the Global endeavor to phase out the reliance on fossil fuel and ‘go green’ in coming years, Pakistan also carries plans towards alternative renewable energy (ARE) to embark on. In the next seven years, Pakistan eyes an ’emission-free future’, accomplishing the target of a 60% renewable energy goal.
A delegation headed by Federal Minister of Energy Khurram Dastgir attended the Future Energy Asia Conference 2023, organized by USAID in Bangkok. The conference carried the agenda of “Emerging Clean Energy Investment Opportunities in Pakistan.”
The delegation was comprised of 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.
Dastagir highlighted the objectives of Pakistan’s National Electricity Policy 2021, including a 30% ratio of electric vehicles (EV) by 2030 – a way towards clean energy, which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The federal minister also informed that Pakistan’s clean energy plan had crossed 6% with an installed capacity of 2,436 capacity.
Current Situation?
Dr. Naveed Arshad, an Associate Professor at LUMS, stated, “Pakistan’s ’30 by 30′ target remains attainable. Honestly, I don’t believe we possess any alternative options.”
“Regulatory impediments and a dearth of financing for electric vehicles (EVs) are current challenges. The situation remains tenuous, and obstacles abound,” he added.
The HOPE?
He further informed, “Despite the presence of twenty-two registered two and three-wheeler EV manufacturers with the Engineering Development Board (EDB), only a handful have displayed their product portfolio. Moreover, Punjab and Sindh have yet to permit the registration of electric three-wheelers. With some stability, I hope the government can spare time for electric vehicles (EVs) and take up the matter again.”
What do you think about Pakistan’s 2030 plan regarding electric vehicles? Drop your thoughts in the comments section.
