Islamabad: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari convened a meeting with German Ambassador Ina Lepel at the Power Division to discuss ongoing reforms and development initiatives in Pakistan’s energy sector. The dialogue focused on increasing the proportion of clean energy in the country’s power mix and exploring collaborative opportunities for the future.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Leghari informed Ambassador Lepel that clean energy sources currently constitute around 55 percent of Pakistan’s energy mix, with a strategic goal to elevate this share to 90 percent. He underscored Pakistan’s efforts to enhance energy self-reliance by harnessing indigenous resources and noted the planning of 800 megawatts of renewable energy through a competitive market mechanism. The Minister assured that the government would not engage in new power purchases beyond existing commitments, highlighting that the country achieved close to 70 percent self-sufficiency in energy last year.

The Minister also provided updates on the privatization of distribution companies, announcing that three out of eleven DISCOs have been identified for initial privatization, with more to follow. He emphasized the critical role of battery energy storage systems for a modern energy network and mentioned a prospective BESS project for LESCO, supported by GIZ. Minister Leghari stressed the necessity of investment in transmission infrastructure, revealing ongoing collaborations with Pakistan Business Council and other stakeholders.

Proposing a Pakistan Germany Energy Cooperation Framework, he called for creating favorable conditions for German financial institutions to engage in investment and financing opportunities in Pakistan. Ambassador Lepel acknowledged the existing climate cooperation framework between the two countries, which includes energy sector collaboration. She highlighted a 300 million euro project underway and expressed interest in future projects focusing on small hydropower, solar, and sustainable energy. Both parties agreed to enhance technical engagements and maintain close coordination, planning to reconvene soon for further discussions.