Call for community-centred clean energy transition in Sindh

Experts, civil society members, policymakers and energy sector stakeholders have urged a community-focused and inclusive path to clean energy in Sindh, according to Business Recorder. Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue held at a Karachi hotel, participants said local livelihoods, land access and wellbeing must be protected as new projects are built. The event, titled Just Energy Transition in Sindh, was jointly organised by The Citizenry and The Knowledge Forum.

A study presented by The Citizenry, drawing on a survey of 204 respondents across 12 villages in Umerkot, pointed to weak basic services, land insecurity and limited community participation. Residents voiced fears of displacement and informal land tenure, and the team said current and planned projects do not consistently reflect local rules such as the Power Generation Policy 2015 and the NEPRA Social Investment Guidelines 2021.

Discussion also covered green jobs, with a New Energy Nexus representative citing solar training for women and youth in Thatta and a policy preference for skilled local workers. An MPA raised concern over large capacity payments to Independent Power Producers after contracts were renewed for another 20 years, while the chair of the Sindh Assembly energy committee called for greater transparency and accountability on projects.