A brief review of some initiatives: Ease dependence on imported fuel.

Byline: AHSAN NISAR

Solar energy

Pakistan has a population of over 225 million. Approximately 88 percent of the population has access to electricity while 12 percent remains un-electrified. The annual per capita electricity consumption in Pakistan is around 550 kWh as compared with the world average of 3,081 kWh per capita. The energy sector has pivotal importance for the people as well as the industries and trade in the country. At the moment fuel prices are skyrocketing which has made thermal energy expensive. Pakistan targets an on-grid Alternative Renewable Energy (ARE) generation mix of 20 percent by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030. Solar energy is very critical to Pakistan's need today. Pakistan is blessed with an abundance of solar energy potential, but this potential has not been harnessed except for some projects. Chinese companies manufacturing solar panels will have to play a crucial role in the generation of Alternative Renewable Energy (ARE) in Pakistan. At the moment, according to a market survey, more than 90 percent of solar panels and other related equipment are being imported from China. Chinese companies are executing and running solar power projects in Pakistan including 300 MW solar power projects which is operational under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Electric vehicles

Amid fear of further rise in fuel prices, people are looking for transportation alternatives and are slowly and gradually inclining towards electric vehicles. Presently, the options available are limited and costly but as more new players are entering the market, the environment is getting more conducive. Changan Motors and Nayyer Motor Company have come up with their own variants. Hyundai is going to launch its own brand soon. Moreover, Audi and Siemens have installed first ever ultra-rapid DC charging station in Pakistan. It has been over 50 years we have been building electric motors in Pakistan - from water pumps to fans. Yet no one thought we could use these motors (improved version) to build an electric vehicle. The government should strive to promote electric vehicles in the development plans of the country with the help of liberal and attractive incentives to attract investment, which will put Pakistan on the renewable energy map of the world.

Some of the other initiatives that have already been taken or could be taken are as under:

1. Lucky Cement Ltd is going to undertake a feasibility study for a renewable energy project...