Participants at a learning and sharing session on IGCEP called for adopting clean energy in Pakistan’s energy mix, “in line with Pakistan’s international commitments and also as a response to the country’s struggles with the impacts of climate change.”

They were speaking at a Learning and Sharing Session on “Pakistan’s Power Sector Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP 2022-2031): Opportunities and Challenges” organised by The Knowledge Forum, a Karachi based think tank, here on Friday. The session sought to unfold the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP), which is a key document in Pakistan’s power sector planning. IGCEP is prepared annually by the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC), and presents a 10 year roadmap for expanding Pakistan’s power generation with the aim of meeting the future energy needs of the country. As per the law, IGCEP is annually updated and approved by NEPRA. Before approval, a public hearing is also held which is attended by stakeholders from the industry, government, and non government sectors. This year, the hearing took place in the third week of October and the plan is likely to be approved in the next few weeks.

The Learning and Sharing session was organised to promote an understanding of the complex structure and process of IGCEP and draw the attention of civil society towards openings for sharing their voice and concerns so that the process could be made more democratic and representative.

Senior economist Prof. Ejaz Qureshi said as far as Sindh is concerned, there is no need to build any dams on the Indus River. He called for addressing the dilapidated electricity distribution system that compromises the capacity of the energy sector.