Interview with Mr. Khalid Jamil Ansari — Managing Director, MENTOR
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Khalid Jamil Ansari: I have over 35 years of experience in the finance industry, with a well-rounded background in administration, academics, and practical applications.
My professional qualifications include expertise in project appraisal, human resource management, training and development, general administration, investment banking, general banking operations, marketing, special assets management (SAM), lease financing, and consumer banking.
Over the course of my career, I have successfully managed various HR, legal, and banking business strategies. Currently, I am managing a consultancy, training, and development firm called MENTOR.
PAGE: What is your take on the success of renewables and alternative energy in Pakistan?
Khalid Jamil Ansari: Renewable energy, specifically solar solutions, has been providing people with free renewable energy and contributing a lot to a greener environment and convenient electricity bills. In my opinion, the people of Pakistan are being benefited with renewable energies, and they will continue to do so even more in the future.
PAGE: Could you tell us about the cost and benefits of solar energy?
Khalid Jamil Ansari: Solar energy has emerged as a popular energy source for businesses in Pakistan, as it offers several benefits such as cost savings, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Furthermore, because solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, they do not produce waste products like coal or oil.
Solar energy can help reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere! Reduced CO2 emissions are one of the main benefits of residential solar energy solutions. Solar energy is clean. It creates no carbon emissions or other heat-trapping “greenhouse” gases. It avoids the environmental damage associated with mining or drilling for fossil fuels. Furthermore, solar energy also uses little to no water, unlike power plants that generate electricity using steam turbines.
PAGE: What is your perspective about government incentives for alternative energy in Pakistan?
Khalid Jamil Ansari: According to National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) 2021 yearly report, Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity is 39772 MW, of which 63% of energy comes from thermal (fossil fuels), 25% from hydro, and 5.4% from renewable (wind, solar and biomass) and 6.5% from nuclear. Solar energy aids in electricity generation without harming the environment. Electricity generation by the use of solar power contributes to no greenhouse gas effects or carbon emissions. The degree of climate change is decreased and environmental protection is ensured. Expanding renewable energy can make electricity cheaper, achieve greater energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and help Pakistan save up to $5 billion over the next 20 years. Through the implementation of government incentives, industrialists are motivated to increase production, resulting in the creation of numerous job opportunities and overcoming unemployment.
The government would tackle the pressing challenge of unemployment and find innovative solutions to create more job opportunities for the country’s citizens. With government incentives, they can overcome this big issue and pave the way for a brighter future. Besides, this proactive approach helps in saving a substantial amount on imports, thereby fostering economic growth and sustainability.
PAGE: What is your standpoint about investment in the business of alternative energy technologies in Pakistan?
Khalid Jamil Ansari: Across the globe, there is a growing trend toward embracing alternative energy sources, leading to significant savings. By investing in the alternative energy technology industry in Pakistan, we can achieve even greater savings. To reduce our reliance on imported solar panels and related equipment, it would be beneficial for the government to encourage the establishment of local manufacturers who can produce alternative machinery and equipment. Furthermore, I suggest that the government consider providing subsidies in this sector to further incentivise its growth and development.