Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan with the help of the Denmark government has adopted an ambitious policy for alternative and renewable energy (ARE) to transform Pakistan’s energy sector and generate 60 per cent of all energy through clean and renewable sources by 2030.
A Memorandum of Agreement in this regard was signed between the representatives of the two governments, Pakistan’s Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar and Ambassador of Denmark Lis Rosenholm. Under the agreement, Denmark will support Pakistan’s green transition and will exchange knowledge and provide technical assistance under the Danish Energy Transition Initiative (DETI).
The collaboration is based on technical advice to be delivered by the Danish Energy Agency that will bring four technical delegations to Pakistan, including experts from the Danish Transmission System Operator, Energinet, and international consultants.
Danish experts to enhance Pakistan’s capacity
They will conduct workshops and training to assist in improving the technical competencies of the Pakistani authorities as well as to exchange knowledge and “hands on experience” from the Danish green transition.
The initiative also aims to organie a study tour of the Pakistani authorities to Denmark, and arrange events with Danish companies, financial institutions and international donors to explore business/finance opportunities and address current Pakistani barriers as well as the necessary improvements for an efficient and green expansion of the energy production and transmission grid in Pakistan.
Ambassador Rosenholm said, “We have taken note of the adopted policies and commitment of Pakistan towards a green transition. Denmark has the technical expertise, knowledge and solutions that can make a difference in their implementation in order to assist ensuring reliable and sustainable energy at affordable prices.”
A cornerstone in bilateral relations
This new collaboration between Denmark and Pakistan can be a cornerstone in an enhanced bilateral engagement in the area of green energy, she said.
The initiative will further enhance the technical competencies of the Ministry of Energy and Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) for energy planning and integration of additional renewable energy.
It will also enlarge capacities of National Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) and National Power Construction Company (NPCC) to enhance regulatory frameworks to integrate fluctuating renewable energy. Furthermore, it will advance the work of National Energy Efficiency & Conservative Authority (NEECA) to promote energy efficiency in Pakistan.
According to a handout issued by the Denmark embassy, the Danish target is to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 70 per cent before 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050.
Wind energy produced 46.9 per cent of the Danish power output in 2019 (a world record) and 60.5 per cent of Danish electricity production derives from renewable sources.
