Weak Oversight in Oil and Gas Sector Sparks Concerns Over CSR Fund Misuse

CSR-Funds

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on Energy (Petroleum Division) has raised concerns over inadequate regulatory oversight, leading to the misuse of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and uncollected Production Bonus and Training Funds intended for capacity-building by exploration and production (E&P) companies. Chaired by Syed Mustafa Mehmood, the committee convened to examine the allocation, utilization, and transparency of CSR funds within the oil and gas sector. During the briefing, the Secretary of the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) explained that various Petroleum Policies from 1994 to 2012 require E&P companies to…

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ADB Warns Climate Change Could Slash Pakistan’s GDP by 21.1% by 2070

Climate-Change

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) could shrink by 21.1% by 2070 under a high-emission climate scenario, according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) latest “Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024: Catalyzing Finance and Policy Solutions.” The report highlights that climate change impacts could lead to a 17% GDP loss across Asia and the Pacific by 2070, with the region’s GDP losses potentially reaching 41% by the end of the century. Pakistan, along with countries like Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia, is expected to experience the most severe economic impacts, driven by sea…

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China’s NEA Proposes Working Group for Conversion of Power Plants to Local Coal

Power-Plants

ISLAMABAD: The National Energy Administration (NEA) of China has expressed its willingness to establish an ad hoc working group to facilitate discussions on converting three coal-fired power plants in Pakistan from imported to local Thar coal, according to sources within the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB). This development aligns with Pakistan’s broader energy strategy to reduce dependency on imports and foster sustainable growth. Representatives from NEA’s International Cooperation and Planning departments, along with Chinese enterprises operating in Pakistan’s energy sector, will engage in the talks. Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy…

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NEPRA Raises Concerns Over IPP Contract Policies During K-Electric FCA Hearing

Nepra-Act

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) voiced serious concerns on Thursday regarding factors in ongoing negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that could deter investment in Pakistan’s power sector. These issues surfaced during a public hearing on K-Electric’s provisional Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) for September 2024, where K-Electric proposed a 16 paisa per unit reduction, aiming to return Rs 247 million to consumers along with General Sales Tax. During the hearing, NEPRA Member (Tariff and Finance) Mathar Niaz Rana received commendation for his dissenting note on K-Electric’s generation…

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Bangkok to Host ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo 2025

ASEAN-Solar

The ASEAN Solar PV & Energy Storage Expo 2025 is set to illuminate Bangkok from March 5-7, bringing together international leaders, innovators, and experts in solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage. This influential event will spotlight cutting-edge developments in renewable energy, providing a dynamic space for professionals to exchange insights, forge partnerships, and explore the latest technologies driving sustainable growth in Southeast Asia. This year’s expo promises a lineup of keynote addresses by renowned experts, interactive workshops, seminars on emerging technologies, and an exhibition showcasing the latest solar PV and…

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