ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is set to deliberate on critical energy sector issues in a high-stakes meeting today (Wednesday). The agenda includes significant matters from the petroleum and power divisions, such as the proposed sale of 35% gas from new discoveries to third parties and amendments to the Greenfield Refineries Policy.
Key discussions will revolve around the upgradation of the Brownfield Refineries Policy and regulatory interventions related to the Exploration and Production (E&P) sector. The council will review progress on offshore oil and gas exploration and address concerns raised by the Sindh government opposing third-party gas sales.
The meeting will also assess the implementation of the Council of Common Interests (CCI)’s directives and recommendations made by the apex committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Additionally, the Trans-Asia Refinery Ltd’s use of equipment under the Greenfield Refineries Policy and the Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited case will be evaluated.
In the power sector, the council will address longstanding issues with K-Electric, progress on Category-III wind and solar projects under IGCEP 2024-34, and the approval status of the 7.8-MW Riyali Power Plant. The Power Division Secretary will provide updates on critical transmission and ancillary services projects, including the 500kV Ghazi-Barotha to Faisalabad West Transmission Line and the 1000MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Other items on the agenda include the operational continuity of liquid and LPG terminals at Port Qasim, rationalization of LNG imports, and solutions for captive power industries and grid-connected power users still reliant on gas as fuel.
The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to shape policies and address operational bottlenecks in Pakistan’s energy landscape.
Story by Wasim Iqbal
