Maria Imran 
Pakistan solar energy progress was presented to world leaders on Wednesday, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the session “Clean Energy Transition by 2035: Powering the Future” at COP31 in Antalya. He said clean sources now account for nearly 55 per cent of Pakistan’s energy mix, a figure that shows how far the country has moved.
Pakistan Solar Energy Shift Takes Centre Stage in Antalya
Before travelling, the prime minister inaugurated a key section of Pakistan’s seventh nuclear power plant, which will add 1,200 megawatts of clean electricity to the national grid. His arrival at the summit was covered in PM Shehbaz Arrives In Türkiye To Attend COP31 Leaders’ Summit.
Cleaner Transport and Electric Vehicle Targets
The recently launched auto policy aims for 30 per cent of new vehicles to be electric by 2030, backed by incentives that include lower tariffs. All future government buses and motorcycles will be electric, and for the first time more than one in every ten motorcycles sold in Pakistan this year was electric.
These steps connect energy and transport policy, and can lower fuel use over time. Electric motorcycles suit a country with a large two-wheeler market, so progress here could be felt quickly by ordinary households.
Financing the Transition by 2035
The prime minister said Pakistan needs about $138 billion by 2035 for low-carbon power generation, plus another $50 billion to replace coal-based power with solar energy. He argued that heavily indebted economies cannot carry such costs alone, and called for concessional financing and transfer of affordable technology.
Grid expansion, reliable energy storage and affordable emerging technologies were also named as priorities. Clear project pipelines and open reporting on progress would help Pakistan make a stronger case to partners, and would show that the 35 by 35 goal is backed by delivery as well as appeals for finance.
Keep Reading: More on PM Shehbaz and Pakistan
How Is Pakistan Building Resilient Communities?
Look into the prime minister’s pledge on reducing disaster risks.
Is Pakistan Resolving Kashmir Peacefully?
Find the call made to the UN chief in Islamabad.
How Strong Are Pakistan-China Ties?
Check out the all-weather partnership pledge.
Why Is Shehbaz Visiting New York?
See Pakistan’s role at the 81st UNGA session.
