The federal government has approved the renewable energy policy draft giving the provinces more power to decide on major projects according to their needs.
The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) met on Thursday in its 46th meeting. It was chaired by the Federal Minister for Power, Omar Ayub.
The meeting unanimously approved the draft for alternative renewable energy (ARE) policy 2019. The policy was prepared with input from the public and private sector stakeholders including provincial agencies.
Under the policy, a steering committee, having representation from all the provinces and co-opted members, will decide on major ARE projects.
Presiding over the meeting, the Federal Minister Omar Ayub said that the policy intends to “create a favourable environment for sustainable growth of the renewable energy sector of Pakistan.”
He said that the policy is aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. The move will not only reduce the country’s reliance on expensive power generation means such as oil and gas while also protecting the environment.
Secretary Power Division, Irfan Ali, mentioned that it was the first ‘very ambitious yet workable’ policy that has been created with the inputs of all the stakeholders.
He maintained that the enhancement of the provincial role will make the draft even more effective and applicable.
