Qasim Abdullah Virk

Qasim is a highly experienced Distributed Renewable Energy Expert and Project Manager with over 17 years of professional experience in the energy sector, focusing on distributed renewable energy, community-based solutions, transaction advisory services, and off-grid renewable energy systems. He has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in deploying distributed renewable energy resources, particularly in vulnerable communities. His work has consistently prioritized sustainable and reliable electricity services, with a keen focus on integrating renewable energy technologies into essential service sectors. His expertise is also reflected in his ability to design and implement high-impact renewable energy programs that incorporate lessons learned from past and ongoing projects funded by international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. He has served as a Project Manager at PITCO (Pvt) Ltd., he has led multiple significant projects, including the Least Cost Electrification Study for the World Bank. This project aims to develop a GIS-based electrification map to optimize grid expansion and off-grid services across Pakistan. He has also contributed to the feasibility studies and implementation of distributed solar generation projects for various industrial clients. These projects demonstrate his ability to identify suitable renewable energy technologies and business models, and to conduct the preparatory work required for the design of renewable energy installations. He has also led commercial teams for USAID’s Power Distribution Program in Pakistan, where he managed the successful implementation of performance improvement interventions for commercial operations in the utilities sector. Mr. Qasim holds a Master of Telecommunications Engineering from Monash University, Australia, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Electronics Engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), reflecting his strong academic foundation and technical prowess.