Ayesha Saba

The Chinese government is extending full support to Pakistan in transition to clean and green energy. It has been evident in recent years that China has invested more in Pakistan's renewable energy sector.

Adnan Khan, a representative of CPEC Authority, told WealthPK that Beijing has launched numerous hydro, wind, and solar power projects across the country, marking a substantial step towards green and low-carbon development.

“Renewable energy projects under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) are expected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by around 3.5 million tonnes, and will also boost the clean energy production mix and optimize the energy consumption structure,” he said.

Adnan mentioned that the recently completed Karot hydropower project illustrates the vision of CPEC regarding clean and green energy.

“We keep hoping for more environmentally-sustainable CPEC projects in future. Tree plantation is also taking place along CPEC routes in an effort to protect the environment. It is encouraging to see that under CPEC, the proportion of renewable energy in Pakistan's overall energy mix has increased significantly,” he said.

Adnan said that in order to combat the environmental issues Pakistan is dealing with as a result of global warming, it is advisable for the country to benefit as much as it can from Chinese expertise.

“What needs to be done is to further build on the initiatives to make Pakistan greener and cleaner in the years to come. A successful green CPEC can serve as a role model for other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries to green their overseas Chinese investments,” he stated.

Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), said while talking to WealthPK that Pakistan recently has faced an unprecedented challenge from extreme climatic occurrences in the form of flash floods and heatwaves.

“There is an agreement (between Pakistan and China) on focusing on increasing cooperation in areas of research and development, especially for climate-smart agriculture, and tapping into the true potential of Gwadar,” he said.

“Time is opportune for us to reach out, build new alliances, and look into ways to promote the country's economic growth and prosperity while giving environment protection and sustainable development goals a higher priority in CPEC's development agenda,” Dr. Suleri said.

The increased focus on CPEC development priorities brings attention to key areas of cooperation for both China and Pakistan including renewable energy and energy efficiency, nature-based solutions and ecosystem management, green finance, circular economy, sustainable consumption and production, environmental laws regulations and standards.

Nong Rong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, said while addressing a conference titled “CPEC Green-Development High-Level Policy Dialogue” that the Sino-Pak cooperation in green development would drive CPEC forward and strengthen relations between the two countries. He said the BRI and CPEC are primarily concerned with sustainable initiatives in green infrastructure, green energy, green finance, and modern agriculture.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPak