Balochistan Takes a Leap Towards Renewable Energy: Key Consultation Highlights

A landmark consultation was convened on the Draft Balochistan Renewable Energy Policy, bringing together provincial officials, experts, and civil society representatives to discuss urgent measures for implementable policies, institutional strengthening, and collective action to accelerate renewable adoption amid the climate crisis.

Key Takeaways:

• The consultation emphasized the need for community-centered policy development, with a focus on community participation, financing mechanisms, regulatory reforms, and high-priority projects such as waste-to-energy and the energy-water-food nexus.
• Secretary Energy Balochistan, Muhammad Dawood Bazai, underlined the urgent need for implementable policies to accelerate renewable adoption, highlighting the importance of institutional strengthening and collective action.
• The vision for 2045 targets a 15% renewable share and 70-100% electricity access by 2040, with Balochistan positioned to emerge as a leader in sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven energy solutions.
• Dr. Quratul Ain Bakhtiari, Founding Director of IDSP, highlighted the role of youth and communities in the energy transition, emphasizing their potential to drive sustainable development.
• Additional Secretary Sahibzada Najeebullah outlined priorities for renewable expansion, financing models, and regulatory reforms, with a focus on community-centered policy development.
• Breakout discussions addressed systemic gaps in the energy sector, including fossil fuel dependence and weak transmission networks, alongside opportunities in solar, wind, and decentralized systems.

Statistics:

• 70-100% electricity access by 2040 is envisioned under the Balochistan Renewable Energy Policy targets.
• 15% renewable share is the target for 2045 under the same policy.
• The consultation focused on four key clusters: community participation, financing mechanisms, regulatory reforms, and high-priority projects.
• Rabia Mirrani presented an overview of systemic gaps and opportunities in the energy sector, spotlighting the potential for decentralized systems and community-driven renewable energy solutions.

Sources:

• The Energy Department, Government of Balochistan
• Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP)
• Serena Hotel, Quetta
• Vision 2045 targets
• Founding Director of IDSP, Dr. Quratul Ain Bakhtiari