THE LAUNCH OF PAKISTAN’S FIRST BIOMASS CLUSTER

January 24, 2020 - February 24, 2020

The US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) of NUST, in collaboration with the UNIDO-United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Pakistan Office (UNIDO) and Global Environment Facility, launched Pakistan’s first Biomass Cluster on January 24, 2020, at NUST H-12 campus. The idea of setting up a biomass cluster metamorphosed into its formal launch at NUST, as a result of a collaborative project of the three stakeholders to demonstrate technical feasibility and commercial viability of modern biomass-to-energy conversion technologies in Pakistan. The project is aligned with the Government of Pakistan‘s goal for 30% renewable energy contribution to the country’s power portfolio by the year 2030.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Pakistan, Mr Knut Ostby, graced the occasion as chief guest. Stressing the need for adopting biomass as a clean, green and affordable source of energy in an agricultural country like Pakistan, he remarked that initiatives such as the launch of Pakistan Biomass Cluster at NUST resonate with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Earlier, Dr Nassar Ikram, Pro-Rector Research Innovation & Commercialisation (RIC) NUST said that the launch of Pakistan’s first biomass cluster has marked a new beginning of leveraging the valued indigenous networks of low carbon-based biomass equipment manufacturers, small- and medium-scale industries with ever-growing energy needs, research groups, academia, and financial institutions for the penetration of cost-effective biomass-based clean energy solutions. He also apprised the audience that NUST is an SDG-engaged university, working in 12 SDGs and gradually increasing its spread to cover all 17.

24 January 2020