Coal power plants quickest way to overcome energy deficiency: Zahid

Federal Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid on Tuesday said that the coal power plants are quickest way to overcome energy deficiency.

“These coal power plants are according to the Environmental Quality Standards set by provincial Environmental Protection Agencies,” he said during a meeting with Assistant Secretary General and United Nations Development Program Regional Director, Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific Haoling Xu.

The Minister said, “Pakistan is an energy deficient country which is affecting our growth. It is our top priority to overcome energy crises.”

He further added that, “In long term we are developing hydro power projects and wind energy projects also to meet our energy requirements. We have established biggest solar energy park of 1000 MW.”

He also told the delegation that, “We already have Climate Change Policy and framework for its implementation. The institutions that will be established under the newly passed Climate Change Act will help to implement Climate Change Policy.”

“We will welcome any support from United Nations Development Program in setting up these institutions under this Climate Change Act. UNDP can help in arranging donor conferences to catch funds for Climate Change fund under Climate Change Act,” he said.

Xu said, “We offer our values by getting things done for governments. We not only want to be entrusted partner but also service provider. We can offer our help in technical and operational level to implement things.” He also highlighted that, “Pakistan is first country in the region to secure Green Climate fund.”