Pakistan eyes greater use of indigenous fuels, ADB backs energy reforms

Pakistan is moving to increase the share of indigenous fuels in power generation as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed support for ongoing reforms in the energy sector.

The development came during a meeting between Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and ADB Country Director Emma Xiaoqin Fan, where both sides discussed sector performance and future cooperation.

The minister said the power sector has maintained stability despite global energy challenges, attributing this to a growing reliance on domestic resources including hydel, local coal and solar energy. He said the government aims to expand the use of indigenous fuels to keep electricity costs manageable.

The ADB acknowledged recent policy measures and indicated interest in supporting further reforms, including digitisation, integrated planning, data governance, privatisation and institutional strengthening.

The lender is already providing technical assistance for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and is conducting studies on rooftop solar and battery energy storage systems. It is also offering training programmes for power sector professionals, including specialised courses abroad.

The minister emphasised the need for a transparent selection process for such programmes and said skill development would support institutional improvements. He also highlighted the importance of restructuring the National Grid Company and sought support in this area.

The ADB official said the bank’s vice president is expected to visit Pakistan later this month to further engage on energy sector cooperation.