US Ambassador Reinforces Commitment to Clean Energy Cooperation with Pakistan

US Ambassador Donald Blome expressed the United States' commitment to expanding technical cooperation with Pakistan to advance clean energy initiatives and assist the country in its transition to renewable resources. During his visit to Thatta and Jhimpir, the wind corridor, Ambassador Blome highlighted the US-Pakistan Green Alliance framework, which aims to strengthen the bilateral partnership between the two countries. Under this framework, the US is actively engaged with various partners in Pakistan to support clean energy projects and sustainable water management.

Ambassador Blome expressed his satisfaction at being able to witness US investment in the Sindh province and emphasized its focus on bolstering climate resilience, promoting energy transformation, and fostering inclusive economic growth. During his visit to Jhimpir, he visited the USAID-funded power grid station and the US International Development Finance Corporation-funded Hawa Energy Limited wind power project, which contributes 50 megawatts of renewable energy to Pakistan's national grid.

Furthermore, Ambassador Blome visited the Center for Advanced Studies in Water at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, established through a cooperative agreement between Mehran University and USAID. He discussed the partnerships between US and Pakistani universities that enhance research in water and environment-related fields.

Highlighting the significance of the Green Alliance framework, Ambassador Blome emphasized its role in addressing climate, energy, water, and economic needs. During his visit to Karachi, he observed a solar-powered reverse osmosis desalination plant installed at a community mosque, which is benefiting Afghan refugees and members of the Pakistani host community. He also visited a US government-funded UNICEF project that provides essential services to children and mothers in the surrounding area.

In addition, Ambassador Blome congratulated recent graduates at the Vocational Training Institute for Women, where US funding through UNHCR supports skills training for Afghan refugees and Pakistani host community women. Finally, he visited the historic Makli graveyard alongside the Sindh Minister of Culture and a representative of the Heritage Foundation to witness the results of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project, which aims to preserve and stabilize ancient tombs at Makli Hill.

Over the past two decades, the AFCP has contributed $7.1 million to support 32 projects aimed at conserving and restoring Pakistan's rich cultural heritage. Ambassador Blome's visit highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Pakistan in various sectors, particularly clean energy, water management, and cultural preservation, to foster mutual progress and development.