Government asked to resolve interprovincial energy cost differentials

 Pakistan Energy Forum 2017

KARACHI: Economist Sakib Sherani on Thursday urged the government to solve issues like interprovincial energy cost differentials for the industry, as energy is a critical input for the economic development of the country, a statement said.

Speaking at the 9th Pakistan Energy Forum 2017, the economist said, “Pakistan’s energy policies and overall paradigm should support national goals of environmentally-sustainable industrialisation and export-led growth.” He stressed on adopting a more holistic approach.

The annual assembly was organised by Shamrock Conferences International in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (KPOGCL), Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB), Renewable and Alternative Energy Association of Pakistan, and Sindh Energy Department.

The theme of this year’s forum was ‘Approaching new frontiers in Energy-sufficiency’, which was aimed to help experts determine how strategic decisions in this sector could pave the way to meet energy demand and drive economic prosperity in the future.

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman Muzzamil Hussain highlighted the issues and opportunities in the sector and emphasised the need for accessibility over affordability.

In the opening session, ‘Strategic and Regulatory Paradigm for Energy Sufficiency’, Scott M Miller, Energy Officer from the US Embassy Islamabad, said, “Through public and private sector projects, Pakistan and America have worked together to improve energy sector performance and governance.  Through US government-funded projects, more than 28 million Pakistanis have access to electricity.”

 Arshad Maqsood Malik, chief (Energy) Planning Commission of Pakistan, said, “Policies and regulations may be improved to facilitate private sector investment; and the management and governance capacity of public sector be strengthened to improve its efficiencies.”

Muhammad Raziuddin, CEO, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas Company, said indigenous oil and gas exploration and production on fast track basis should be initiated, and technical assistance from the ADB, World Bank, USAID etc should be sought.

In the second session, ‘Integrating Public and Private Investment for Equitable Energy Mix’, Werner E Liepach, country director, ADB Pakistan Mission, said, “Energy in Pakistan requires investment, security and reliability; with there being no ideal solution for an equitable energy mix.”

Sardar Shaukat Aziz Popalzai stressed on the government to explore the endless opportunities for energy in Balochistan. While Mahfooz Ahmed Qazi, director, energy department, government of Sindh, presented about the extent of coal-mining being carried out in the province.

‘Technology for Ecology, Optimising Alternative Energy Resource’ was the third session, and was addressed by Amjad A Awan, CEO, Alternate Energy Board and Syed Imran Shah, manager business development, Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited. They reiterated that the future of Pakistan’s clean and healthy energy requirement lay in the recognition and proliferation of renewable energy options like wind, solar, and bio-mass.

The annual event attracted 150 delegates from more than 100 companies and organisations that are directly or indirectly connected to the energy sector in Pakistan.