ISLAMABAD, October 26, (INP-WealthPK): In order to shift to renewables, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the government is planning to install electric vehicle charging stations and promote the adoption of electric vehicles through incentive policies. He has directed relevant government departments to devise and present a comprehensive plan for the adoption of new technologies.
He has directed the Ministry of Trade and Industries, Ministry of Power and Energy and the Board of Investment to help and facilitate investors who are open and willing to invest in electric vehicles and in the installation of their charging stations.
He made these directives while chairing a meeting on the inclusion of electric buses in the fleet of public transport, promotion of electric vehicle industry and alternative energy resources. He said that “in order to shift away from non-renewable sources of energy, it is important that government facilitates every effort on the part of private investors to bring new technologies into the country.”
In this regard he reminded the members of the meeting about the recent approval of 10,000-megawatt solar power project by the government. “Importance of solar-powered energy sources cannot be stressed more. They will generate cheap and clean energy for the country. Consumers can install solar-panels in their homes. This will end their reliance on electricity generated through commercial enterprises. They will not only be able to save money but will also be able to contribute towards national grid with the spare energy that their solar panels will create,” he added.
“Solar power panels will help improve environmental situation in the country. We will also be able to save a lot of precious foreign exchange, most of which goes into the buying of fossil fuels from abroad,” he continued.
Authorities presented proposals for the adoption of electric buses in local transport fleets, and also updated the Prime Minister on the developments in the electric vehicle industry abroad especially in China and America.
The Prime Minister was informed that the development of the industry and infrastructure of electric vehicles would significantly bring down the country’s import bill besides opening-up new opportunities of foreign investment and employment.
