ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has highlighted energy security as a key component of the country’s future planning strategy, asserting its importance in a meeting focused on the subject in Islamabad. He underscored the significance of energy conservation and the proactive measures taken to avert a potential energy crisis amid the current regional circumstances.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister revealed ongoing efforts to establish strategic crude oil reserves to cater to future energy needs. He advocated for a gradual transition of transportation means to environmentally friendly electric vehicles, suggesting that future official vehicle purchases should comprise only electric buses and motorcycles. Sharif also called for accelerated efforts to set up electric vehicle charging stations across the country.

Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed the development of a strategy to facilitate the acquisition of batteries for storing excess solar energy and encouraged the local production of high-quality storage batteries. Information presented at the meeting indicated that the country possesses sufficient petroleum reserves and maintains a stable food security situation. It was also reported that local gas and oil production is on the rise, attributed to the ongoing efforts of oil and gas companies. Plans are underway for two pilot projects focused on grid-level battery storage, with a PC-I being prepared for their implementation.

The meeting further informed that households producing solar energy are being incentivized to install battery storage systems, aligning with the government’s broader energy conservation and sustainability goals.