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Energy Ministry sets sights on 60% renewable power and 30% electric vehicles by 2030 under ambitious energy overhaul
ISLAMABAD July 2 – Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy has outlined a bold strategy to overhaul the country’s energy landscape, aiming to reduce inefficiencies, attract foreign investment, and transition towards cleaner, smarter energy solutions. The initiative, which includes a massive investment program and structural reforms, seeks to align the sector with international sustainability trends while addressing long-standing domestic challenges.
Senior officials at the Energy Ministry confirmed that preparations are underway to launch a nationwide smart metering initiative, targeting 30 million consumers through the installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The project, estimated to require $3 billion in investment, is expected to significantly reduce line losses, improve billing transparency, and give consumers better control over electricity usage.
“This is not just a metering upgrade; it’s a digital leap toward a smarter energy future,” a senior official told RNN, requesting anonymity as they were not authorized to speak on the record. “It will enable us to manage demand more effectively and reduce the systemic inefficiencies that have plagued the power sector for years.”
The Energy Ministry’s plan is backed by a set of transparent policies designed to attract global technology companies. “The upcoming energy investment program will ensure guaranteed returns and a predictable regulatory environment,” another official said, noting that several international firms have already shown interest in participating.
The ministry also plans to establish a dedicated Research and Development Secretariat to support innovation in grid management, renewable integration, and data analytics. This unit will work alongside new regulatory and operational bodies created as part of the broader energy sector reforms aimed at modernizing electricity transmission and distribution systems.
Officials cited the recent statement by Federal Minister for Energy Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, where he outlined Pakistan’s vision to generate 60% of its electricity from renewable sources and ensure that electric vehicles constitute 30% of the national fleet by 2030.
While Leghari’s comments highlighted the political commitment at the highest level, officials at the ministry stressed that operational readiness and international cooperation are key to realizing those goals. “We want to make Pakistan a regional energy hub that connects Central Asia, South Asia, and the Gulf through energy corridors,” an official remarked, noting the strategic importance of projects like CASA-1000 and potential for cross-border electricity trade.
Experts believe the transformation will not be easy, given the sector’s historical baggage of circular debt, bureaucratic inertia, and infrastructure shortfalls. But ministry insiders insist the direction is set. “This time, we are not just talking reforms – we are building them into systems, contracts, and daily operations,” said a top official.
The Energy Ministry expects to begin rollout of the smart metering program within the next fiscal year, contingent on finalizing investment agreements and regulatory approvals. If implemented effectively, officials believe the reforms could mark a turning point for a sector long seen as a drag on Pakistan’s economy.