The federal government has given more representation to provinces to decide on major projects of renewable energy.
The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), in its 46th meeting held on Thursday, under the Chairmanship of Federal Minister for Power Omar Ayub, approved the draft of Alternative Renewable Energy (ARE) Policy 2019 on the basis of consensus of all members.
The new renewable energy policy draft, approved by the AEDB, allows the steering committee, comprising of all provinces and co-opted members, to decide on major projects of renewable energy.
The policy was prepared by the AEDB in consultation with public and private sector stakeholders including provincial government agencies.
Representatives of provincial governments and other board members also provided their input on the ARE Policy 2019 draft. There was a consensus on several inputs and suggestions were given by the provincial representatives in a bid to improve the policy framework.
Ayub stated that the policy aimed to create a favourable environment supported by a robust framework for sustainable growth of renewable energy sector of Pakistan.
The policy is targeted at increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix in order to achieve the strategic objectives of energy security, cheaper power generation and environmental protection. He further stated that the policy framework has an all-inclusive approach and stipulates an active role and participation of provincial governments at all stages of renewable energy developments.
Power Division Federal Secretary Irfan Ali apprised the meeting that for the first time, a very ambitious yet workable policy has been created to tap the indigenous resources of the country.
He said that provincial participation has been enhanced in the new draft of the renewable energy policy.