Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the 42nd meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) where he approved the Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy 2019.
Later Asad Umar, the Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives took to Twitter and announced, “CCI today approved alternative & renewable energy policy of the Govt. The new policy will inshallah unleash the full renewable potential of Pakistan. After starting the historic development of hydel resources by PTI govt, now we will see the highest ever growth of other renewable energy.”
CCI today approved alternative & renewable energy policy of the Govt. The new policy will inshallah unleash the full renewable potential of Pakistan. After starting historic development of hydel resources by PTI govt, now we will see highest ever growth of other renewable energy
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 6, 2020
Federal ministers, attorney general, and other concerned officials attended the session under the supervision of Imran Khan to review an eight-point agenda. Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority was also discussed in the meeting.
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According to the new approved policy, Pakistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy in total power generation to 25% by 2025 and to 30% by 2030.
Agenda contained the amendment in OGRA ordinance 2002 as its part over the request of the Sindh government, 50 percent of the windfall levy generated from crude oil and natural gas was also decided. The role of Basic Education Community Schools working under the National Commission on Human Development was also discussed during the meeting.
Handing them over the provincial departments before the end of 2020 was the part of the decision. The federal education ministry would plan a mechanism for the transfer after the consultation with the province.
Attorney General of Pakistan explained the meeting over the distribution of water among the provinces and told that the committee is looking into the matter. The whole process was asked to be completed within a month and the meeting decided to allocate the lower portion of the Chashma Right Bank Canal to Punjab province.
Moreover, it was also informed that the country will face severe gas shortage during the winter season in 2020-21, and recommendations were placed for a major push for new exploration and conservation of domestic gas, and adjustments in price mechanisms to avoid impending crises.
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