Renewable energy sources will help ensure Pakistan’s energy security, Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said, local media reported.
The Pakistani official stated that hydropower is the backbone of the country and that, despite the existing problems, it is hydropower that is the most acceptable source of energy in the long term.
Khurram Dastgir Khan added that in addition to hydropower, Pakistan should also pay attention to solar and wind power and other renewable energy sources.
“In 2013, coal was the cheapest source of energy, which is no longer the case due to the incredible increase in coal prices over the past weeks,” the minister said, adding that a similar situation has developed with the prices of fuel oil and liquefied natural gas.
Pakistan’s dependence on imported fuel has made the local industry uncompetitive in the international market, as the Asian country imports about 50% of gasoline and about a third of natural gas.