ISLAMABAD:
The United States has announced new programmes for advancing energy cooperation with Pakistan, which include a $500,000 project to restore electricity infrastructure in flood-stricken areas in Sindh.
Other initiatives include a grant to augment research and development work on electric vehicles at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and support for the second cohort of US-Pakistan Women’s Council’s Future of Women in Energy Scholars Programme, launched with Texas A&M University, to support women’s leadership in renewable energy.
The announcement came in a joint statement following energy security dialogue between the US and Pakistan, chaired by Federal Minister for Energy Khurram Dastgir and US Department of State Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt. The dialogue concluded on Wednesday.
The United States and Pakistan affirmed their mutual commitment to advance the transition to renewable energy and promote a more stable, secure and prosperous energy future.
During the dialogue, officials and experts deliberated on energy issues and areas of cooperation, including Pakistan’s renewable energy transition, electric vehicles and increasing the participation of women in the energy sector.
Both governments resolved to continue deepening bilateral partnership through the US-Pakistan Green Alliance framework, which would help the two nations to jointly face climate, environmental and economic needs, especially through partnerships in renewable, sustainable and clean energy.
“For over 50 years, the US has invested in Pakistan’s power generation, including in clean energy through hydropower, which continues to benefit millions of Pakistanis till today,” said the statement.
As part of the dialogue, the two governments committed to work together in the coming year to help Pakistan reach its goal of 60% renewables by 2030.
The next US-Pakistan energy security dialogue will be hosted by the US in 2024.
Separately, in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Geoffery Pyatt, they reaffirmed their commitment to promoting economic growth, energy security, partnership in long-term flood rehabilitation efforts and strengthening their overall relationship.
The prime minister, while appreciating the holding of Pakistan-US energy security dialogue, encouraged further investment in Pakistan’s energy infrastructure, which would help the transition towards clean energy.
He welcomed the dialogue and cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, health, security and climate change.
US State Department Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment and Science Monica Medina, who was also in Pakistan on an official visit, informed the prime minister during the meeting that she was leading a delegation for meetings of Pak-US Climate and Environment Working Group.
She praised the commitment and dedication with which Pakistan responded to the consequences of last year’s devastating floods. (With additional input from APP)
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2023.
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