ISLAMABAD, May 14: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved the establishment of a Renewable Energy Research and Development Centre at the University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, a statement issued here on Monday said.

Announcing the decision in its recent meeting, the HEC’s Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) observed that the proposed centre would facilitate effective research activities in the energy sector and generally focus on renewable energy.

It will offer postgraduate study programmes at MS and PhD levels focusing on renewable energy implementation technologies. The centre will provide a conducive environment to conduct and promote research and education, and will provide training and experience to scientists and engineers in the energy disciplines of solar and hydropower.

The facility will be equipped to provide the Pakistani industry and investors with support in consultation design, component development, long-term testing, certification, resource data and site assessment and technical assistance.

In Pakistan today, the primary energy supplies are insufficient to meet even the present demand. Therefore, like other developing countries, the country faces a serious challenge of energy deficit.

The statement said renewable energy sources could play an important role in meeting this challenge which in turn would support the national security and independency to achieve the desired development and lessen the influence of the world energy instabilities on the Pakistani economy and development plans.

The centre will also help reduce the existing deficiency in research facilities in Pakistani universities, especially in the energy sector.

It will help support the Pakistani energy policy and departmental priorities for increasing viability and deployment of renewable energy by producing highly-qualified manpower in renewable energy utilisation.

The project also includes building infrastructure and provision of appropriate research training and education facilities, which will help produce 30 MS and six PhD graduates annually after the completion of the project.

The centre will undertake fundamental and applied research and development projects aimed at renewable energy implementation in short, medium and long-term. It will also create and strengthen formal and informal university-industry linkages.