The Sindh Energy Dialogue, held at a local hotel, highlighted the urgent need for a climate-sensitive and inclusive energy policy for the province. The event, co-organized by The Knowledge Forum and NED University of Engineering and Technology, brought together experts, government officials, and public representatives to critically examine Sindh’s energy policies, focusing on climate change and energy justice.
Sindh’s Minister for Energy, Nasir Hussain Shah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revolutionizing the province’s energy infrastructure through renewable energy projects. He highlighted the establishment of solar parks and the provision of home solar systems to underserved areas as part of the government’s efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid. Shah also noted the province’s coal development plans in response to the rising cost of electricity.
‘There is an immense need for regular and concerted dialogue on the energy policy and direction of the country,’ remarked Dr. Noman Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Sciences at NED University, during his opening speech. He emphasized that energy policies have a direct impact on ordinary citizens and local economies.
The Dialogue shed light on Sindh’s energy landscape, with experts underscoring the challenges posed by the national grid’s dependence on fossil fuels. Participants called for a comprehensive strategy to phase out coal and adopt renewable energy alternatives. Muhammad Badar Alam from the Policy Research Institute of Equitable Development raised concerns over the environmental impact of coal mining, especially in relation to local and imported coal extraction methods.
In the second session, titled Developing a Clean Energy Roadmap, Dr. Khalid Waleed from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) emphasized the need for a coal phase-out strategy in light of emerging opportunities in climate finance and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which could affect Pakistan’s fossil fuel-based exports. MPA Marvi Rashid stressed the importance of civil society’s input in shaping energy policies, particularly regarding emissions and land use for energy projects. She vowed to bring these concerns to the provincial assembly.
The session The Renewables Boom explored the growing shift toward solar energy as electricity costs rise. Experts noted that while more consumers are turning to alternative energy sources, challenges related to increased electricity consumption and emissions from electric appliances, such as air conditioners, need to be addressed. Dr. Ahmed highlighted the importance of sustainable urban planning to maximize the benefits of renewable energy.
The final session, Path to Power: Central Decentralization, focused on the challenges posed by the centralization of energy systems. Energy expert Abubakar Ismail called for a decentralized energy grid, supported by strong stakeholder collaboration, to ensure a more reliable and sustainable energy supply. Mr. Badar Alam concluded the dialogue by stressing the importance of placing climate concerns at the center of policy-making, particularly after the 18th Amendment, which shifted energy powers to provincial governments.
The event underscored the critical role of public representatives, experts, and civil society in shaping a sustainable and affordable energy future for Sindh, as the province continues to grapple with the effects of climate change and rising energy costs.