Pakistan takes step towards integrated energy plan
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan has taken the first major step towards developing a long-term, integrated energy strategy after the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) approved the high-level design of the National Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) 2027–2060.
The plan is aimed at addressing one of the country’s longstanding challenges, fragmented energy-sector planning, by bringing electricity, fuel, infrastructure, investment and environmental considerations under a unified framework.
The high-level design was presented by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) at a CCoE meeting, according to an official press release.
Unlike conventional planning, which often treats different energy subsectors separately, the proposed IEP will promote coordination among federal and provincial institutions to improve the use of energy resources, infrastructure and investment.
The framework will be built around four key priorities: Energy, Economics, Equity and Environment.
Under the energy pillar, the plan seeks to strengthen security, reliability and resilience of the country’s energy system. The economic component will focus on competitiveness and financial sustainability, while equity will aim to ensure wider and more affordable access to energy.
The environmental pillar will promote low-carbon development and climate resilience.
For consumers, the government expects the integrated approach to contribute to more reliable and affordable energy by reducing duplication in infrastructure and improving coordination in investment decisions.
The plan will also encourage greater use of domestic energy resources and facilitate the integration of renewable power, energy storage and other emerging technologies. Where feasible, it is expected to help reduce reliance on expensive imported energy.
The government also intends to align future energy development with Pakistan’s environmental and climate objectives, while balancing energy security, affordability and universal access.
The approval of the high-level design does not constitute the final energy plan but sets the framework for its formulation. The National Integrated Energy Plan 2027–2060 is expected to serve as a long-term roadmap for Pakistan’s energy sector, covering the next three decades.
