LAHORE: The LUMS Energy Institute (LEI) organized a National Consultative Workshop on Renewable Energy Transition to explore strategies for advancing clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. The workshop aimed to discuss practical steps for a phased transition, building on LEI's report, "The Net Zero Transition: A Pathway to Clean and Sustainable Electricity by 2040," and brought together stakeholders from Pakistan's power sector.

According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the workshop included contributions from LEI experts and representatives from various governmental and industry bodies, such as the Ministry of Energy, NGC, ISMO, WAPDA, and others. Five implementation priorities were identified: aligning renewable generation with transmission development, expanding energy storage, strengthening grid flexibility, securing grid-support services, and establishing clear institutional responsibilities through a phased plan.

A significant focus was on converting thermal generators into synchronous condensers to provide ancillary services, repurposing assets and grid connections as fossil-fuel generation declines. Participants emphasized the need to compare projects with alternative solutions based on performance, cost, and delivery time.

Thermal plant representatives and equipment manufacturers showed interest in conversion opportunities, seeking clarity on costs and future revenues. The policy discussion centered on a technology-neutral framework for grid-support services, as highlighted by Syed Faizan Ali Shah, Advisor to the Minister of Energy.

Engr. Altaf Hussain Malik of the National Grid Company stressed the importance of clarity on tariffs and performance standards, while Abid Latif Lodhi of PPMC called for unbundling ancillary services from energy procurement. Omer Haroon Malik of ISMO discussed developing a framework for ancillary services, and Muhammad Arfan Miana of WAPDA stressed consumer affordability.

The workshop's recommendations will be consolidated by LUMS to inform implementation priorities, with findings to be published by the end of 2026. Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhry and Dr. Tariq Jadoon of LUMS emphasized turning research into policy and practical solutions for cleaner electricity.