Stakeholders deliberate on a phased transition to clean electricity by 2040

Business Recorder reported that power-sector stakeholders met at LUMS in Lahore on Thursday to examine how thermal plants could be turned into grid-support assets. The discussion formed part of a gradual move toward clean electricity by 2040, and officials argued that the path should rest on a technology-neutral framework. The National Consultative Workshop on Renewable Energy Transition was organised by the LUMS Energy Institute and drew government bodies, grid operators, generators, equipment makers and academics.

Central to the talks was the idea of turning fit thermal units into synchronous condensers where this is technically feasible and economically sound. Such units could deliver reactive power and inertia to the network, plus short-circuit strength, meaning current plants and their grid links might be repurposed instead of shut down. Participants nevertheless said each project must be compared with other options on cost, performance, site and timing.

Plant operators and equipment makers showed strong interest in conversions, though operators want answers on expenses, remaining operating life, contract duties and future income. Manufacturers, for their part, said the technical and economic case for each conversion must be judged individually. Syed Faizan Ali Shah, Advisor to the Minister of Energy, said any framework should treat all technologies equally when providing ancillary services. LUMS expects to publish a final report before the end of 2026, covering an ongoing pre-feasibility study on synchronous condensers.