ABU DHABI: Pakistan has set a bold target to achieve 60% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030, as the country continues its rapid transition to cleaner and sustainable energy sources.
This was revealed by Romina Khurshid Alam, Prime Minister’s Climate Change Coordinator, during her speech at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking on the occasion, Alam highlighted Pakistan’s rapid rise as one of the fastest growing solar markets in the world, with 12 gigawatts of off-grid capacity and over 6 GW of net metered solar capacity expected by the end of 2026.
She highlighted that renewable energy accounted for a record 53% of the country’s total electricity generation in the past financial year.
The Prime Minister’s aide further highlighted the country’s resilience in the face of climate challenges and said solar kits distributed in the country have played a pivotal role in restoring power and livelihoods in flood-affected areas, providing a model of climate-resilient recovery that could be replicated in other regions.
“Pakistan is committed not only to reducing its carbon footprint, but also to creating practical solutions for climate adaptation. The distributed solar model has proven to be a lifeline for communities affected by extreme weather events,” Alam said.
The 16th IRENA Assembly, attended by over 1,500 delegates from 139 countries, also saw Pakistan recognized for its progress in energy transition.
In her concluding remarks, she urged Irena and international stakeholders to increase concessional financing for developing countries, particularly for green technologies that are critical to achieving global climate goals.
