AFD To Consider Assistance For Installing Solar Tube-wells In Balochistan: French Ambassador

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AFD to consider assistance for installing solar tube-wells in Balochistan: French ambassador

The French Development Agency (AFD) will consider to provide assistance for Balochistan's solar tube-wells project and establishment of Renewable Energy Institute in its development portfolio for the year 2018.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Mar, 2018 ) :The French Development Agency (AFD) will consider to provide assistance for Balochistan's solar tube-wells project and establishment of Renewable Energy Institute in its development portfolio for the year 2018.

This was stated by French Ambassador to Pakistan Marc Barety during a meeting with Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari here Monday. Explaining the recent reforms being initiated by the government in the power sector, Minister Legahri said French companies should explore the fast growing power sector of Pakistan for its better returns, according to a press release.

He said the consumer services areas in the all power distribution companies (DISCOs) provided a good opportunity to investors. The minister also informed the ambassador about the government initiative to author new energy policy and electricity plan.

He also apprised the ambassador of the Renewable Energy Institute and the working that had been pursued by both the Alternative Energy Development board and Higher education Commission. He said the US and Danish governments were sharing their experience regarding the establishment of the institute.

He invited the French Government and AFD for their assistance in the establishment of the Institute. The minister said with the passage of NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) amendment bill by the National Assembly, an energy trade market was to be established in Pakistan.

The energy trade, he said, would ultimately benefit the consumers. He said the government had been pursuing the policies to reduce the role of the government in power sector while promoting the market forces to operate to safeguard the interests of the consumers and also to cater for the chronic issues like the circular debt etc.

The French Ambassador appreciated the efforts of the present government in power sector. He said the progress in the power sector had been exemplary and many French companies dealing in the power sector were taking keen interest.

He said the AFD would definitely sturdy as to how it could provide assistance in the installation of solar tube-wells in Balochistan and off grid solutions, besides reducing the components of circular debt.