ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) discussed Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy 2019, and recommended the draft policy for submission to the Cabinet, and it would subsequently be presented to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for final approval.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar chaired a meeting of the CCoE, here on Friday. The CCoE discussed Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy 2019, and recommended the draft policy for submission to the Cabinet.

The policy will subsequently be presented to the CCI for final approval. The Alternate and Renewable Energy Policy 2019 envisages protecting the environment by increasing the share of green energy in the overall energy mix, and least cost on grid power generation.

It would also to develop Alternate and Renewable Energy (ARE) local manufacturing and skilled human resource and technology transfer. It will enable private sector investment and participation in on-grid and of-grid AREPs and innovative supply solution.

The CCoE was briefed on the power demand and supply situation for Karachi in the next three to four years.

The committee approved the proposals relating to supply of additional power to the KE from national grid, and directed that the technical details may be finalised between the parties by 15th August, 2020.

It was informed in the previous meeting of the CCoE, which was held on June 8, 2020 that the total electricity demand in Karachi was expected to rise to almost 4,100 MW by 2023, and thus, would require additional 1,300 MW to meet the future requirements.

The meeting was informed that to meet the future requirements of Karachi, the CCoE had given the requisite approvals for the supply of 500MW from K2/K3 project.