ISLAMABAD: The French Development Agency (AFD) is contemplating to give Pakistan help for installation of solar-powered tube-wells in Balochistan, said the French envoy on Monday.
Under its development programme, the AFD is considering to setup a renewable energy institute in 2018, reported an English Daily.
France’s ambassador in Pakistan, Mr. Marc Barety on Monday met with Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais ahmed Khan Leghari and appreciated the governments efforts for improvements in the power sector.
Mr. Barety said the progress in Pakistan’s power sector was outstanding and shared that various French entities associated with the energy business were showing avid interest in Pakistan.
He shared AFD would evaluate as to how it would be able to provide help for installation of solar tube-wells in Balochistan, giving off-grid solutions and assist in decreasing the circular debt.
Mr. Leghari on the occasion talked about the power-sector reforms initiated and said French entities should consider Pakistan’s fast-growing energy sector for better returns.
He added French investors could target investments in area of consumer services given by power distribution companies. Mr. Leghari also shared the government’s plan to devise a new energy policy and electricity plan.
While discussing the renewable energy institute, Mr. Leghari stated Danish and US governments were providing their experiences for establishment of the renewable energy institute.
The federal minister offered the French government and AFD to give help in setting up the institute which would encourage production of clean energy from renewable sources in Pakistan.
The French ambassador was informed that after the passage of Nepra Amendment Bill in the parliament, an energy trade market would be setup in the country.
The power minister stated energy trade would eventually be beneficial to the consumers.
