STAFF REPORT IBD: The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has announced the launch of Euro 10 million multi-technology renewable energy project focusing on deprived and marginalised communities in 10 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province including Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Buner, Swabi, Karak, Bannu, Hangu and Lakki Marwat.
The project, funded by Germany, is planned to be implemented through six well-reputed PPAF partner organisations, who will be working in close collaboration with the provincial government and local stakeholders. The project districts have been selected on the basis of poverty ranking and potential for availability of renewable energy resources.
The project aims to increase access to energy for off grid, rural communities, reduction in use of fuel wood, kerosene and diesel as a source of energy for rural communities, increased employment and income generation opportunities for the poor through promotion of productive usage of the energy.
A limited number of renewable energy projects using wind-hydro-solar hybrid systems will also be piloted. The produced electricity will not only be used for lighting purposes but small and medium enterprises will be established, which will increase household income, add value to local products and transform lives of the poor and marginalised communities.
In the emerging area of renewable energy, PPAF has so far supported the implementation of more than 700 renewable energy projects of diverse types and various capacities.