ARE joins conversation on unlocking microgrid potential in Balochistan
The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), a partner of ARE in Pakistan, along with the Institute of Development Studies & Practices (IDSP), organised a webinar titled “Microgrids: Unlocking the Renewable Potential in Balochistan,” a southwestern province of Pakistan.
Shaukat Ali, ARE’s regional expert for South Asia, participated as an expert panelist, sharing both ARE’s and his personal insights on the opportunities, challenges, and sustainability of decentralised microgrids for energy access in South Asia. He also discussed how best practices could be applied in Balochistan. The webinar was attended by representatives from public and private sector organisations in Pakistan.
Key recommendations were presented to the organisers, including the need for a robust policy framework to guide and encourage private sector investment in DRE projects in rural areas. The critical role of local communities in the implementation and ongoing operation of DRE plants was emphasised. Given Pakistan’s financial constraints, the regional government was urged to engage international aid agencies to help scale up electrification efforts through DRE initiatives.