GE appreciated for Re powering Initiative proposal
US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale said that the United States would explore the ways and means to help Pakistan for establishing its first Renewable Energy Institute.
In a meeting with Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Khan Leghari, the ambassador said that the US would also share expertise of US National Renewable Energy Laboratory to ensure working of the institute as per international standards. He said the US would also consider assisting Pakistan in the formulation of National Energy Policy and National Electricity Plan.
During the meeting the minister informed the ambassador that the government has initiated the process of interaction with all the provinces and the federating units for the formulation of Energy Policy and National Electricity Plan. In this regard the government has also decided to take into consideration various proposals of the power sector stakeholders including the service providers.
The minister appreciated the US General Electric Company for its Repowering Initiative proposal that includes conversion or rehabilitation of the existing power generation units across Pakistan. He said that he has asked the GE to be part of the process of energy policy and electricity plan so that their proposal can be materialized based on the decisions taken.
The minister underscored the need of deep cooperation between Pakistan and USA in the renewable energy sector. He said that renewable energy is the only way forward to meet the energy requirements of Pakistan.
The minister also informed the US ambassador on the progress made so far by the Power Division for establishment of the institute. He said that LUMS has also shown keen interest to house the institute, and has sent its proposal in this regard. He said that HEC and AEDB are finalizing to identify the university in Pakistan to house the institute.
The US ambassador appreciated the Power Division initiative for establishment of the institute. He also underscored enhanced cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector. He also assured to soon appoint focal person for energy in US Embassy, who will frequently interact with his counterpart at the Power Division regarding cooperation in the sector.
