ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has invited Chinese companies to invest in its renewable energy and offshore wind sectors as part of efforts to address its energy crisis and reduce reliance on costly fuel imports, state media reported on Monday.
Speaking at the High-Quality Development of Offshore Wind Power Supply Chain seminar in Fuzhou, China, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, highlighted the country’s renewable energy potential. “With a coastline exceeding 1,000 kilometers, Pakistan has a natural advantage for developing renewable energy resources,” he stated, urging Chinese investors to explore offshore wind opportunities.
Pakistan faces a persistent energy crisis driven by an imbalance between energy supply and demand. Heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels has strained the economy and fueled inflation. According to NEPRA’s 2022 report, the country’s installed power generation capacity stands at 43,775 MW, with 59% from fossil fuels, 25% hydropower, 7% renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass), and 9% nuclear power.
Ambassador Hashmi lauded China’s advancements in offshore wind energy and emphasized the importance of technology exchange, infrastructure development, and regulatory collaboration to strengthen bilateral ties.
The invitation to Chinese investors follows meetings last month between Pakistan’s power minister and officials from Iran and China at the Third Belt & Road Ministerial Conference in Qingdao. Discussions focused on cross-border energy cooperation and modernizing Pakistan’s power transmission and dispatch systems to reduce losses.
The power minister also met executives from Power China and Energy China to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing Pakistan’s energy infrastructure. These initiatives reflect Pakistan’s commitment to diversifying energy sources and reducing its dependency on fossil fuels.
