The 3rd International Conference on Hydropower Pakistan-2023 organized by Energy Update in collaboration with Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and International Hydropower Association (IHA) was held in Serena Hotel, Islamabad on 20th December 2023. The conference was graced by Minister for Energy, Mr. Muhammad Ali, Managing Director PPIB, Mr. Shah Jahan Mirza, large number of dignitaries from public and private sector, key stakeholders and power/energy sector experts.
Honorable Minister for Energy in his address acknowledged the efforts of Energy Update towards development of hydropower in the country and congratulated Mr. Naeem Qureshi, for organizing 3rd consecutive conference on hydropower. The Minister while signifying the importance of hydropower being renewable, green and cheap source of power generation, reiterated GoP’s determination to do more in this sector with the combined efforts of public and private sector. He said that enhancing Renewable Energy and hydropower share in the energy mix is the top priority of the GoP as it is the only way to reduce the power tariff besides provision of affordable electricity to the people.
While addressing the participants, Managing Director PPIB Mr. Shah Jahan Mirza stated that out of the identified hydropower potential of 64000 MW in the country, only 11000 MW have been achieved so far which accounts for 24% of the overall national generation capacity of 45000 MW. He said that for maximum exploitation of identified potential, GoP is targeting to maximize reliance on indigenous and renewable resources whereby hydel, wind, solar and bagasse based energy will increase from 31% to 60% by 2031. This development will also help in curtailing reliance on imported fuels, reducing carbon emissions and savings of precious foreign exchange. Mr. Mirza in his concluding remarks stated that PPIB being one window facilitator has been working to encourage indigenous and renewable resources for power generation in accordance with the targets set-forth in the National Electricity Policy and UN’s SGDs and COP.
