Pakistan and India to collaborate on renewable energy

The development of renewable energy sectors is proving to be an area of serious cooperation between India and Pakistan and both countries are reaping benefits from working together.

A visiting Pakistan delegation led by Zafar Mahmood, secretary in Pakistan's water and power ministry held talks Tuesday with officials in India's ministry of new and renewable energy. The high-ranking Pakistan official said that renewable energy being a relatively new area in Pakistan, the interaction had been extremely useful and provided an opportunity to learn from the Indian experience.

Gireesh Pradhan, secretary in the ministry of new and renewable energy, gave the Pakistan delegation a detailed overview of India's journey in the development and application of renewable energy. The focus of the presentation was on solar, wind, biomass and small hydro sectors.

India's achievement in installing over 25,000 MW of grid-connected renewable energy was lauded by the Pakistan delegation.

The Pakistani officials were informed about Indian Electricity Act 2003 and Tariff Policy provisions with reference to the renewable purchase obligation for renewable energy, which makes it mandatory for all power distribution companies to purchase a minimum percentage of power generated through renewables.

The provision is an effective instrument for promoting the use of renewable energy.

The visiting delegation was also informed about fiscal and financial incentives given by the union government to promote renewable energy.