Industry Seeks Improved Chinese Renewable Energy Investment Conditions
Industry experts have called for improving investment conditions to attract greater interest from Chinese renewable energy investors. The discussion took place during a webinar organised by Renewables First, a think tank focused on energy and the environment.
Under the theme “Accelerating Chinese Renewable Energy Investment in Pakistan,” the webinar emphasised the importance of redirecting Chinese investment in Pakistan's energy sector from coal to clean energy.
Speaking at the event, CEO of the Alternative Energy Development Board, Shah Jahan Mirza, highlighted Pakistan’s vast renewable energy potential and the significant role Chinese investors could play in its development.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s ambitious renewable energy targets — including 14,000 MW of wind and solar capacity planned for addition to the national grid over the next decade — and encouraged Chinese participation in the country’s growing renewable energy market.
Xiaohui Ma of Golwind, a leading global wind turbine supplier, noted that although the regulatory framework and incentive structure were generally favourable, Pakistan’s wind power sector still faces operational challenges. These include curtailment by off-takers and unexpected restrictions on renewable energy equipment imports, which have disrupted project development.
Ma urged the government to develop coordinated policies for both wind and solar PV technologies, treating them as complementary solutions to maximise long-term energy benefits.
NA Zuberi emphasised the importance of a streamlined project development process, along with stronger stakeholder collaboration to remove investment barriers. He also highlighted the need for private sector investment in transmission and distribution to support greater renewable energy integration.
Tara Dawood, Chairperson of Ladies Fund, stressed the importance of inclusivity and gender diversity in the renewable energy sector. She encouraged increased participation of women in decision-making processes and emphasised the importance of consistent policy and regulatory frameworks to facilitate smoother entry of renewable energy projects.
In his closing remarks, Chairman NEPRA Tauseef Farooqi underscored Pakistan’s vast potential to expand its renewable energy share within the power sector. He expressed optimism about the benefits of Chinese investment in supporting Pakistan’s efforts to privatise distribution, modernise transmission infrastructure and expand low-cost solar and wind energy capacity.
The webinar brought together over 100 participants from Pakistan and China, including industry experts, stakeholders and government representatives. Discussions focused on identifying policy reforms and regulatory improvements needed to attract increased Chinese investment in Pakistan’s renewable energy sector.
Renewables First continues to promote a just and inclusive energy transition in Pakistan by strengthening collaboration between markets and government institutions. The organisation has also published the On-Grid Renewable Energy Guidebook, offering detailed guidance on regulatory frameworks, project development and investment opportunities.
For further insights on renewable energy investment and policy developments, visit Renewables First Insights.
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