The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) jointly organised a workshop to gauge feedback from stakeholders regarding biomass policy. In an attempt to utilise all available energy resources in the country, with a focus on renewable sources such as biomass, UNIDO has facilitated a Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded the project, “Promoting Sustainable Energy Production & Use from Biomass in Pakistan”.
The project aims to increase the utilisation of modern biomass technologies for industrial and rural energy applications with particular focus on the introduction of biomass gasification technology.
UNIDO is providing technical assistance for the development of concrete policy recommendations for promotion of modern biomass technologies emphasising utilisation of biomass energy in industries.
The Chief Executive Officer of AEDB Amjad Ali Awan, who chaired the event highlighted the importance of such events in sharing knowledge, experiences and expertise in helping make policy making process more effective. He asserted the importance of biomass energy technologies for being a clean indigenous energy source. He said that its use addresses the energy crisis in the country and leads to diversification of the energy mix.
Buhne, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan is of the view that biomass is an important resource for the country with immense benefits not just in energy and economic terms but also being the driving force for various social and environmental benefits in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, the UNIDO Representative to Pakistan, Mr Esam Alqararah appreciated UNIDO’s efforts to promote clean and sustainable energy solutions such as biomass for industrial and other applications.
He also thanked AEDB and other public and private sector stakeholders for coming together to work towards promoting the use of biomass as a source of energy in Pakistan.
The AEDB will be making necessary amendments to the existing policies, regulations and procedures related to biomass after the policy recommendations have been finalised. The Customs department of the Federal Board of Revenue will ensure that only gasifiers complying with the stated standards are imported in the country.
