ISLAMABAD: The US government has announced to support Pakistan’s energy sector and launched a $3 million multi-agency technical assistance programme for this purpose.
US Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Jonathan Elkind has joined Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms, the Ministry Water and Power, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to announce the programme.
The three-year programme, conducted in partnership with the US Agency for International Development, will bring experts from the Department of Energy national laboratories together with Pakistani experts to develop strategies and resources for integrated energy planning, energy efficiency, and promoting private investment in renewable energy and integration.
“The US is committed to our partnership with Pakistan. We are addressing energy challenges and working together on our shared global energy priorities, including the opportunities presented by a growing renewable energy market,” said Assistant Secretary Elkind. “We look forward to having American and Pakistani experts collaborate in this critical arena.”
The programme is a milestone in the US-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership, announced by President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif in October 2015. The partnership aims to develop 3,000 megawatts of new private sector investments in Pakistan in clean energy generation, directly benefitting more than 30 million Pakistanis. The new partnership continues ongoing joint efforts by the United States and Pakistan to address Pakistan’s energy needs, and is part of broader energy assistance that includes support from USAID, the Department of State, and the Department of Energy.
