Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Jonathan Elkind joined Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reform, the Ministry Water and Power, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to announce the launch of a $3 million multi-agency technical assistance program designed to support Pakistan’s energy development efforts. The three-year Program, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development, will bring experts from the Department of Energy national laboratories together with Pakistani experts to develop strategies and resources for integrated energy planning, energy efficiency, and promoting private investment in renewable energy and integration.
“The United States is committed to our partnership with Pakistan. We are addressing energy challenges and working together on our shared global energy priorities, including the opportunities presented by a growing renewable energy market,” said Assistant Secretary Elkind. “We look forward to having American and Pakistani experts collaborate in this critical arena.”
The Program is a milestone in the U.S.-Pakistan Clean Energy Partnership, announced by President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif in October 2015. The Partnership aims to develop 3,000 megawatts of new private sector investments in Pakistan in clean energy generation, directly benefitting more than 30 million Pakistanis. The new Partnership continues ongoing joint efforts by the United States and Pakistan to address Pakistan’s energy needs, and is part of broader energy assistance that includes support from USAID, the Department of State, and the Department of Energy.
The United States and Pakistan have cooperated on energy issues since 2009 under the Energy Working Group established through the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Recognizing the critical importance of increasing energy security and access in a clean, sustainable manner, the United States has committed more than $1 billion to date to support energy sector investments and reforms in cooperation with the government of Pakistan. Our cooperative efforts have made almost 1,700 additional megawatts available to the national grid, powering the homes and businesses of nearly 19 million Pakistanis and increasing the annual revenue of Pakistani distribution companies by over $300 million.
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