October 24, 2002	Thursday	Sha’aban 17,1423

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 23: The federal government has decided to establish the National Commission for Alternative Energy (NCAE) and Institute of Renewable Energy Technologies to promote use of non-polluting energy sources.

Sources at the ministry of environment told this reporter that the NCAE would work under the President’s secretariat to facilitate and expedite the use of efficient technologies for introducing renewable energy resources in the country.

The President would be the pattern-in-chief of the institute whereas the representatives from ministries of science and technology, education, higher commission on education and environment would act as members of advisory board.

The sources said the President was likely to promulgate “Development of Renewable Energy Resources Ordinance, 2002” in near future whereby all power generation and distribution companies would ensure that one to two per cent of annual electricity generation in their grids would be generated with renewable energy resources, besides major thrust on hydel power and other renewable energy sources to contribute at least 10 per cent in total power generation of the country by 2010.

Under the plan two per cent developmental budget of all electrical power generation companies will be spent to exploit renewable energy resources to achieve the target by 2010, the sources said.

All schools, mosques and other related facilities in the villages will be electrified by supplying renewable energy, they said, adding that all new public buildings would be required to install water heaters manufactured in Pakistan to reduce the pollution level.

The sources said all educational institutions will introduce the renewable energy courses to train the manpower needed for the development and promotion of local industry.