KARACHI, Feb 16: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said the government believes that power shortage is a big impediment in the way of country’s progress. “We have, therefore, embarked on a sustained and long- term plan for use of renewable energy with full participation of the private sector to overcome this obstacle,” he said.

Addressing a conference on ‘CNG, LPG and Alternative Energy Fueling Pakistan’ held here on Friday, he said the renewable energy policy approved by the federal cabinet would attract investment in this field and strengthen and improve power supply position of the country while CNG and LPG were other areas for investment.

He said both CNG and LPG are undergoing potential growth as an alternative source of energy which will not only help overcome the problem but also tap available resources more meaningfully.

He described Pakistan’s renewable energy potential as ‘substantial’, but said it largely remained untapped and the government was determined to increase its share in the country’s energy mix.

The approval of renewable energy development policy, which envisages mainstreaming of renewable energy in our development plans, is a major step forward in this direction. The chief minister said the policy offers liberal and attractive incentives to put Pakistan on the renewable energy map of the world.

The country is confronted with serious energy shortages because of fast economic and population growth and, therefore, the government is encouraging development of alternative energy resources as part of a comprehensive strategy to meet the growing energy needs and for providing electricity to all.

Pakistan, he said, plans to have 650 MW wind power. Some major initiatives are also under way for rural electrification in Sindh and Balochistan, while CNG and LPG are being actively promoted across the country.

These renewable energy projects will help reducing shortage, which should ultimately promote economic growth and alleviate poverty.

Dr Arbab hoped that the ‘Fuelling Pakistan’ exhibition would bring together people from all these fields to stimulate discussion, create networks, and generate new ideas that will have truly far-reaching consequences.—APP