U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Jonathan Elkind joined Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Ministry Water and Power, and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources recently to announce the launch, of a multi-agency technical assistance program designed to support Pakistan’s energy development efforts. The three-year effort, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development, will bring experts from the U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories together with Pakistani energy experts to develop strategies and resources for integrated energy system planning, energy efficiency, and promoting private investment in renewable energy.
The program is a component of the U.S.-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership, announced by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in October 2015. The Partnership aims to develop 3,000 megawatts of new private sector clean power projects in Pakistan, which would directly benefit more than 30 million Pakistanis. The new Partnership continues joint efforts by the United States and Pakistan to address Pakistan’s energy needs, and includes support from several U.S. Government agencies.
The United States and Pakistan have cooperated on energy issues since 2009 under the Energy Working Group established through the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Recognizing the critical importance of increasing energy security and access in a clean, sustainable manner, the United States has committed more than $1 billion to date to support energy sector investments and reforms in cooperation with the government of Pakistan. Our cooperative efforts have made over 1,750 additional megawatts available to the national grid, powering the homes and businesses of 19.4 million Pakistanis and increasing the annual revenue of Pakistani distribution companies by over $418 million.
“The United States 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.”
