Source: The Express Tribune

Islamabad: The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), in its 46th meeting held under the Chairmanship of Federal Minister for Power Omar Ayub, ratified the draft of Alternative Renewable Energy (ARE) Policy 2019 with a mutual accord of all members. The Federal Government has emphasized on devolving the decision making power in this regard to all the provinces to decide on major renewable energy projects.

The new renewable energy policy draft, approved by the AEDB, permits the steering committee, comprising of all provinces, and designated members, to decide on major schemes of renewable energy projects. The policy was meticulously prepared by the AEDB in consultation with public and private sector stakeholders, as well as inculcating suggestions from the provincial government agencies. The Energy Minister Omer Ayub stated that the policy targeted to generate a promising environment sustained by a robust framework for sustainable growth of renewable energy sector of Pakistan.

Furthermore, the working body reiterated the vision of the incumbent government regarding fulfilling the market need of enhanced power supply with major focus on achieving strategic objectives of energy security, cheaper generation mix and most imperatively environmental safeguard. Likewise, Power Division Federal Secretary Irfan Ali apprised the meeting that for the very first time, a very ambitious yet pragmatic policy has been shaped to tap the indigenous resources of the country imperative for sustainability.