Thread by @chrislittlecott

Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI has just announced a decision that Pakistan will have no more power generation based on coal.

This is a substantial new commitment made to #ClimateAmbitionSummit and should be warmly applauded.

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PM Khan stated: "At the same time we have decided we will not have any more power based on coal. We have already scrapped 2 coal power projects, which were supposed to produce 2600MW of energy, and replaced it by hydroelectricity."

This is a big deal!

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Pakistan is currently #11 in the new coal risk list. This new commitment will mean that ~6GW of projects should not move forward into construction, thereby avoiding a doubling of coal capacity in Pakistan.

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PM Khan continued: "As far as our indigenous coal goes, we have decided to ... produce energy either by coal-to-liquids or by coal-to-gas, so that we do not have to burn coal to produce energy."

Note: These alternatives are difficult, expensive, and still carbon-intensive.

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PM Khan continued: "At the same time, we have also decided that by 2030 60% of all energy produced in Pakistan will be clean energy, through Renewables. And also, 30% of all vehicles will be on electricity."

His statement firmly opens the door for a coal-to-clean transition.

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PM Khan had started by highlighting that Pakistan is the 5th most vulnerable country to the impacts of climate change.

He then concluded: "So I assure you that Pakistan will be doing its best to make its contribution to mitigate the effects of climate change."

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Today's new announcement from PM @ImranKhanPTI of a decision to have no more coal power projects in Pakistan is a very positive step forward.

It follows the recent announcement from The Philippines of a moratorium on new coal power generation permits. ieefa.org/ieefa-philippi…

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Pakistan's decision to not have any more power based on coal is a further positive response to @antonioguterres and his call for 'no new coal by 2020'.

Other governments are now in the spotlight to call a halt to coal ahead of @COP26.

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#ClimateAmbitionSummit

Last week Energy Minister @OmarAyubKhan met with new Ambassador of China @AmbNong. Media reports highlight their discussion of renewables.

A shift of China's support from coal-to-clean would be a game changer for Pakistan and the broader BRI.

tribune.com.pk/story/2275063/…

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The surge in coal power generation in Pakistan has resulted in pollution and water access problems for local communities while increasing debt risks for the economy.

PM @ImranKhanPTI has responded positively by deciding on an end to more power based on coal.

👏👏👏

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Addendum: PM Khan's announcement now covered by national media, emphasising the commitment to clean energy instead of coal: dawn.com/news/1595373/6…