315 replies to this topic

[Tarbela]

Six hydropower projects to be initiated by 2010


LAHORE: In addition to initiating construction work on the 4,500 MW Diamer-Basha Dam Project next year, another half dozen mega hydropower projects including Kohala, Dasu, Bunji, Munda, Palas Valley would be undertaken in 2010-12.

This was stated by WAPDA Chairman Shakil Durrani during a briefing here at WAPDA House today arranged for a delegation of the 89th Management Course of National School of Public Policy, Lahore led by its Rector Lt. Gen. ® Javed Hassan. These projects would generate about 21,000 MW of electricity on their completion and help improve low-cost hydropower proportion in the national grid.

The delegation was briefed that Pakistan has been blessed with the identified hydropower potential of more than 54,000 MW but only 16 per cent of this potential has so far been taped due to variety of reasons.

After its bifurcation last year, WAPDA is fully focused on water and hydropower development. The work on 969 MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Project has already started, while feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs of most of the mega projects in both water and power sectors are currently at the advance stages and likely to be completed by the next year,

The delegation was informed that Pakistan is storing only 11 per cent of the annual water flows of its rivers and, if this capacity is not increased, Pakistan will be a water short country by 2012. The delegation was told that the accumulative gross storage capacity of Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma reservoirs that originally used to be 18.37 million acre feet (MAF), has reduced to 13.24 MAF due to sedimentation, resulting in 28 per cent loss of storage capacity.

PEPCO MD / Member (Power) WAPDA Fazal Ahmed Khan, dilating upon the various short and long term measures, said that PEPCO is striving hard to minimize the gap between consumption and generation of electricity. He appraised the delegation that the Government has made arrangements for induction of more than 9,000 MW to the national grid from January 2009 to December 2012.

The News.

[Tarbela]

Alternative Energy Development Board to produce 5,000MW energy


ISLAMABAD, Nov 10: Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has planned to produce 5,000MW energy within five to seven years utilising renewable energy resources available in the country.

This generation would certainly help meeting the current energy shortfall, Chief Executive Officer AEDB Arif Allaudin said talking to journalists here on Monday after conclusion of inaugural session of two-day stakeholders’ consultative workshop on ‘development of medium-term renewable energy policy for Pakistan’, jointly organised by AEDB and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The CEO said the board is planning to make medium-term and long-term policy in consultation with concerned stakeholders. He said the board has been assigned by the government with the target of producing 5 per cent energy from renewable resources out of total power generation capacity.

He said the country’s first 50MW wind power project is scheduled to be commissioned in next month. He added five turbines of 1.2MW capacity each would be installed in the first phase of the project.

He said tariff issue will be resolved in consultation with stakeholders and people will get cheaper electricity. He said in an effort to harness the renewable energy resources, AEDB is encouraging private sector to develop renewable energy power projects.Earlier addressing the participants of the workshop, CEO AEDB said that country is facing an energy crisis, adding the board would fully utilise the alternative energy resources available in the country.

He said as per the mandate given by the government the board is encouraging the use of renewable energy resources for captive power generation. He said several innovative steps will be taken creating a market-based environment that is conducive to private sector investment and participation.

Country Director Asian Development Bank Rune Stroem said ADB would continue to support Pakistan to achieve energy security by utilising the abundantly available indigenous alternative energy resources.

[Tarbela]

First new KESC plant in 10 years



KARACHI: The Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) has started installing a 50 MW rental power plant in Haroonabad, the first addition to the utility’s power generation capacity in the past 10 years.

The installation process is expected to take a minimum of three weeks and after a trial period of at least 10 days, the plant will start generating power and will be connected to the national grid.

KESC Chief Executive Officer Naveed Ismail had stated at a press conference last month that the utility will add at least 50 MW to its existing pool.

The plant will give around 16 MW by the end of November and will be working at full capacity by December.

[Tarbela]

Pakistan, Opec Fund sign $30m accords for Golan Gol Hydropower Project


ISLAMABAD, Nov 11: Pakistan and the Opec Fund for International Development (OFID) have signed two agreements of $15 million each, for the Golan Gol Hydropower Project.

The agreements were signed in Vienna by Shahbaz, Ambassador of Pakistan to Austria and Suleiman J Al-Herbish, Director General of the OFID on behalf of the government and the Opec Fund respectively, said a press release received here on Tuesday.

The project, involving $30 million co-financing from the OFID, is located on the Golan Gol River, a left bank tributary of the Mastuj River.

The powerhouse of the project is located in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) along Chitral-Bunni Road at a distance of about 25 km from Chitral.

The project has an installed capacity of 106MW (annual energy production: 436 million KWH). Work on the project is already under way and the Opec Fund’s financial assistance will be utilised in procurement, installation and testing of transmission line and grid stations extension.

Speaking on the occasion, Suleiman J. Al- Herbish recalled that OFID Pakistan cooperation spanned over more than 30 years now.

He expressed the Fund’s continuing commitment to this cooperation in the coming years.

Referring to the global financial turmoil, he stressed that OFID’s decision to sign two loan agreements with Pakistan during these times showed the trust which the Fund had in the resilience of economy of the country.

Ambassador Shahbaz thanked the Director General for OFID’s financial support for a number of projects in Pakistan.

Regarding the Golan Gol Hydropower Project, he underlined its particular importance for Pakistan at a time when the country was faced with imbalance between energy demand and its production capability.—APP

[Tarbela]

Iran to build 1000 megawatts power plant near Pakistan's border: Ashraf
ISLAMABAD (December 31 2008): Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf on Tuesday said that Iran will build a dedicated gas based power plant of 1000 MW capacity near Pakistan border to export electricity to Pakistan. Talking to journalists here, the minister said the plant to be built by Iranian private sector near Zahidan can be made available for export of power to Pakistan in addition to the earlier agreed 1000 MW project.

He said an Iranian company will complete transmission line of 50 km in Iran side and 70 km in Pakistan side. He said that both sides agreed for early completion of transmission line. Pervez Ashraf said both sides held a series of meetings and showed keen desire for strengthening the bilateral co-operation between the two countries in the power sector.

He said during visit of Iranian delegation headed by Engr. Parviz Fatah, Minister of Energy, Iran the status of existing projects in power sector was reviewed and it was agreed to expedite and speed up the implementation and to remove the impediments if any.

He said both sides agreed that while carrying out the feasibility study for the transmission line of 1000 MW, a provision for transmission of an additional 1000 MW will also be kept in view. Earlier, during meeting both sides took note of slow pace of progress on two projects included import of 100 MW of power for Gwadar Port - construction of transmission line and feasibility study for 1000 MW transmission line between Zahidan (Iran) and Quetta (Pakistan).

It was also agreed to execute an implementation plan and fix the time lines for completion of the projects and a mechanism will be established for monitoring and for taking remedial measures in this regard.
Business Recorder

[faizan khaliq]

HERE is demonstration of solar powered water pump though it is not very ideal but the UK based students are trying to produce it almost of 800 dollars
the advantage with this pump can be a small farmer or tunnel farmer etc.It can reduce its production cast as the solar energy would be free However its performance is not much impressive  but  if SAhabaz sharif  can depute some engineer bureaucrat and Run this kind of pilot project with in months we can jump to bulk production of these silicon solar plates and bring the production cast of solar system so down that we might not need the power lines in rural areas
and practically every household have their electricity generation capability.

http://solar-aid.org/project_water_pump//

[Tarbela]

Chinese company begins coal mining work in Thatta
  
KARACHI: A Chinese company has began the coal mining work in Thatta and digging has been started to drain out water from mines in the first phase.

According to an announcement of National Machinery Import and Export Corporation, the Chinese company, despite the international economic meltdown the CMC continues to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector.

In the first phase investment of 2 million dollars will be made for extraction of coal in Sawand Jharok area, Thatta.

Finally it will serve for power generation.

[Tarbela]

Work on Diamer Basha may start this year

LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is executing different water projects with a combined storage capacity of 11 million acre feet (MAF) while other projects with capacity of 14 MAF are at planning stage.

WAPDA Chairman Shakil Durrani stated this while addressing a delegation of the Armed Forces War Course of the National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad during its visit to the WAPDA House.

Describing salient features of Diamer Basha dam, the WAPDA chairman termed it an exceptionally good project with useable storage capacity of 6.4 MAF and a power generation capacity of 4,500 megawatts. Pre-qualification of construction companies including European, Chinese, Malaysian and Turkish firms was under process and construction work on the project would likely start this year, he said.

Dilating on the slow pace of hydropower development during the last 30 years, he said “WAPDA now is more focused in this regard.” Construction work on 969MW Neelum Jhelum hydroelectric project started last year while 4,500MW Diamer Basha and 106MW Golen Gol were ready for construction.

Besides these, 1,100MW Kohala, 5,400MW Bunji, 3,600MW Dasu and some other projects would be taken up for construction by next year, he added.

Briefing the delegation, WAPDA Adviser on Diamer Basha dam Dr Izhar-ul-Haq said Pakistan had developed only 13 per cent storage capacity for annual river flows and that too had dropped to 9 per cent due to silting in existing reservoirs. In view of the alarming per capita water availability, Pakistan had no option but to construct mega water reservoirs, he asserted.

Dr Izhar revealed that another 20 million acres of virgin land could be brought under cultivation provided water was made available by constructing new dams.

Pakistan Electric Power Co Adviser Salim Arif told the delegation that 4,000MW of electricity would hopefully be added to the national grid by December. He said the government had planned to generate an additional 10,000MW by year 2012 through the private and public sector.

[Tarbela]

Pakistan has 326m barrels in oil reserves

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has more than 326 million barrels of oil and 29,790 billion cubic feet of gas reserves, the Senate was told on Wednesday. The petroleum adviser said the country had 185,165 million tonnes of coal reserves, mainly in Sindh. The demand for oil is 19.2 million tonnes a year and that for gas 5.3 million cubic feet a day. He also said there were approximately 4,504 million tonnes of copper-gold resources in Reko Diq in Balochistan, and there are 292 employees working on the project including, 247 local people. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan told the House that out of the $5.9 billion assistance for October 2005 earthquake victims committed by donors, $3.41 billion have been disbursed and the remaining $2.5 billion are in the pipeline. More than Rs 89 billion have been paid as compensation to the earthquake victims – Rs 57 billion in rural housing subsidy, Rs 2.86 billion in urban housing subsidy, Rs 5.2 billion in the Livelihood Support Cash Grant Programme and Rs 13.2 billion as compensation for deaths and injuries. The minister for housing told the Senate that construction of flats for government employees from Grade 1 to 16 in Sector G-11 of the capital would cost Rs 1.78 billion. He said the cost had to be revised because of the escalation in price of building material, labour and petroleum, a delay in the handing over of land and late deposit of instalments by allottees.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...9-1-2009_pg7_19

[Tarbela]

UAE to gift 320MW power plant to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers to donate used power plant of 320MW capacity as a gift to the people of Pakistan to help in resolving its energy crisis. Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf, had left for Dubai (UAE) Monday to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the concerned UAE authorities and to work out the detailed plan for the implementation of agreement for dismantling, packing and shifting of the plant to Pakistan. The MoU will be signed in the presence of President Asif Ali Zardari in Dubai on February 4.
The gifted power plant is gas-fired.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nayhan had offered to donate this plant as a gift and free of cost to Pakistan during the last visit of President of Pakistan to the UAE.


http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p..._3-2-2009_pg5_4

[Tarbela]

WAPDA plans to construct 32 dams

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has planned to construct 32 small and medium dams in all four provinces of the country in addition to implementing mega projects in water and hydropower sectors.

WAPDA Adviser on Diamer-Basha Dam project Dr Izhar-ul-Haq, in a briefing to a SAARC Energy Centre delegation at the WAPDA House, said the construction of eight small and medium dams, two in each province, would be undertaken in the first phase.

These included Hingol and Naulong dams in Balochistan, Nai Gaj and Khadeji dams in Sindh, Bara and Chudwan Zam dams in NWFP and Ghabir Dam and Dera Ghazi Khan hill torrents in Punjab. These dams had been planned to tap the local water and power resources, he added.

The WAPDA adviser told the delegation the Authority was constructing five hydropower projects under ‘Vision 2025’. Four of them with accumulative power generation capacity of 323 megawatts would come on line in 2010 and 2011, while the 969MW Neelum Jhelum Hydroelectric project would be completed in 2016, he added. Earlier, WAPDA member (finance) said WAPDA was fully focused on optimal utilisation of water and power resources for sustainable economic growth in the country.

SAARC Energy Centre programme’s leader on technology transfer Dr M Pervaiz said the centre was meant for fostering cooperation in the energy sector among SAARC members. He said Pakistan might have access to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) funds due to its hydropower potential.

The News

[Tarbela]

WAPDA aims to produce 20,000MW hydropower

LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority is on target to increase hydro-electric power generation three times from current 6,500 megawatts to over 20,000MW by 2017 which would bring hydropower generation on a par with thermal electricity.

WAPDA Chairman Shakeel Durrani stated this in an exclusive talk with The News. He said the projects which would be completed during that period included 969MW Neelum-Jhelum project, 4,500MW Diamer-Basha, 4,710MW Bunji and 3,700MW Dasu. Barring Neelum-Jhelum, he added, all these projects would be located on different sites of River Indus. In addition, about 1,000MW would be added to Tarbela by installing new turbines on one of its tunnels.


Durrani said financial resources required for $2.1bn Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project had been arranged. WAPDA would generate $1 billion from 10 paisa per unit surcharge on consumers which has been allowed to it for seven years. Besides that, $750 million financing has been promised by the Islamic Development Bank, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi funds and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. China would arrange the balance of $448 million in the form of supplier credit.

He said a residential colony and offices for the contractor and consultants of Neelum-Jhelum project were almost complete, adding work on two tunnels had started. “The Chinese are also imparting on-job training for constructing tunnels to Pakistani engineers.”

Durrani said WAPDA would need $11.3 billion for construction of Diamer-Basha dam, including $3.5 billion mark-up which would accumulate during the construction of the project. The amount, he added, would be payable in installments after the dam became operational.

The payments would pose no problem as the dam would generate its own resources. “Actual amount needed to complete the dam is $8 billion.”

The WAPDA chairman said the Asian Development Bank had agreed in principle to be the major financier of the project, adding the Islamic Development Bank and financial institutions in the Middle East had shown interest to provide the balance amount. Pakistan government and WAPDA, he added, would provide funds worth $1 billion for land acquisition, establishment of nine model villages for displaced people and for construction of new highways as some part of the present highway would come under water. Moreover, $3 billion would be arranged as supplier credit.

He said, adding work on Neelum-Jhelum project started last year.
Construction work on Basha dam would begin this year
while Tarbela extension project would start next year.

[Tarbela]

Hubco Narowal plant to be operational by March 2010


KARACHI: The Hubco Narowal Plant will start commercial operation by March 2010, company announced on Thursday.
Hubco, one of the largest independent power producer in Pakistan is setting up this combined cycle power plant based on reciprocating engines technology with an investment of about $300 million and having an ISO installed capacity of 225MW at District Narowal, Punjab. Tariff structure for the plant has recently been agreed with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority and the letter of support has also been received from the Private Power Infrastructure Board, Government of Pakistan and all equipment supply and construction contracts have also been finalised. The plant will start supplying electricity to national grid from end of March 2010, thereby helping in reducing the acute power shortage in the country.

Daily Times  staff report

[Tarbela]

425 megawatts Nandipur power project

BEIJING (March 25 2009): A foreign banks consortium, comprising BNP Paribas, HSBC Bank plc, the Export-Import Bank of China, has signed a Sinosure buyer credit facility agreement of 150.151 million dollar with Northern Power Generation Company Limited for construction of 425 MW combined cycle power project at Nandipur, Finance Director of the company Ijaz A. Babar told APP.

The CIC France is also a part of consortium through a participation agreement with BNP Paribas, France, he said. Northern Power Generation Company Limited (NPGCL) is the biggest thermal generation company operating under the overall management of the Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco).

The agreement was signed with the consortium, comprising worlds top class banks like The Export-Import Bank of China, BNP-Paribas, France, HSBC Bank plc, Paris branch, and CIC France on Thursday, he said. NPGCL is constructing a 425 MW combined cycle power plant at Nandipur, near Gujranwala with the EPC cost of 329 million dollars.

The main EPC contractor is a leading Chinese company, Dongfang Electric Corporation Limited, with sub-contractor G.E. France. The credit facility is covered by China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation. Ijaz Babar said that earlier, a foreign banks consortium, consisting of BNP-Paribas, France, HSBC Bank plc, Paris branch, and CIC France had signed a Euro 68.97 million Coface Buyer Credit Facility Agreement on October 3, last year for the project.

700-800 MW Guddu power project; and 969MW Nelum Jehlum hydropower project with due support from Chinese and European banks. Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Rafiq Butt and Finance Director Ijaz A. Babar signed on behalf of Northern Power Generation Company, whereas Chief Executive Officer Francois Cristofari and head of Export Finance (Middle East/Africa) Gerard Lagouarde, signed on behalf of BNP Paribas (China) Limited.

[Jahan]

Load-shedding to be eliminated by year-end: Ashraf

QUETTA: Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf Thursday said reiterated his commitment of eliminating load-shedding by the end of this year.

Addressing a seminar held under the auspices of Wapda Hydro Electric Central Labour Union here, the Minister said the country was facing worst power crisis at the time when Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) came into power.

He said the efforts made so far have at least diluted the gravity of the crisis to an extent.

The Federal Minister also announced make operational Shaikh Manda Thermal Power Station and giving of bonus equal to one month salary to the employees of QESCO.

GEO

[Tarbela]

Int’l exhibitions on engineering, alternative energy
The 6th Engineering Asia, 3rd Power and Alternative Energy Asia Exhibitions incorporating 3rd International Conference on Alternative Energy and Power will be held from March28 to 30 at Karachi Expo Centre - Ecommerce Gateway.

Renewable Energy resources can play an important role in bridging this deficit. More importantly, Renewable Energy can take electricity to remote rural areas, where power transmission becomes too expensive.

The Government of Pakistan aims that all localities not planned/anticipated to be connected with national grid in next 20years, be earmarked for Alternative/Renewable Energy resources and all solar/wind energy related technologies be indigenized in next decade through international collaboration. Therefore, there are tremendous opportunities for International Alternate/Renewable Energy Organizations to tap this potential market & invest in Pakistan.

Similarly, 6th Engineering Asia 2009 aims to develop and promote every sphere of engineering sector in Pakistan through inter/intra industrial cooperation and joint ventures among local and foreign partners.  The event is based on the aspiration that only a strong well-built and efficient engineering system can help achieving a self-reliant and self-sustaining economy through better management of industrial sector environment. The Event aims to focus on the immense potential of heavy and light engineering machinery, accessories, raw material supplies and allied services under one roof.
This worldwide recognition achieved by Ecommerce Gateway reflects the proof of high quality, thus providing exhibitors and visitors alike with the assurance that they will benefit from a professionally planned and managed concept.

The Event has attracted participation from more than 13 countries including China, Iran, Malaysia, UAE, United Kingdom, Turkey, Russia and Germany. The Exhibition is regarded as the largest trade and industrial machinery Show of Pakistan showcasing products and services of more than 110 exhibitors.

The 3rd International Conference on Alternative Energy & Power-ICAEP, being held on March 28, 2009 will focus on the "opportunities & Challenges in the field of Alternative Energies in Pakistan". The Conference is sponsored by "Zorlu Enerji", a Turkish Company which has setup a 50 MWWind Power Generation Project at Gharo - Keti Bandar corridor.

Entry in the exhibition is only for trade / corporate visitors. Those, who wish to visit the event, may print their Electronic Trade /Corporate Visitor Passes by filling-in the form which is available at www.engineeringasia.net/visitors.

The Event is being organized from 28-30 March 2009

[Mangla]

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...9-4-2009_pg5_15

First 220kv transformer made in Pakistan

KARACHI: The first locally manufactured 220kV transformer rolled out at Siemens Industrial complex at SITE Wednesday. This was a landmark moment for the power industry and the first transformer was dispatched to WAPDA network after a simple ceremony attended by WAPDA and Siemens officials. Advisor to PEPCO, Saleem Arif congratulated Siemens on this milestone and said, “We expect power demand to rise substantially in the coming years and now we can depend on locally produced equipment, which was before imported from abroad”. Managing Director of Siemens Pakistan, Sohail Wajahat this roll out proved that the hard working people of Pakistan can achieve any target if they are provided with the resources, know-how and positive working environment. staff report

[Tarbela]

Work on Tarbela's fourth extension underway



ISLAMABAD:Tuesday, 09 Jun, 2009:  The feasibility study of the Tarbela fourth extension hydro-project has been completed and it will add an additional electricity of 960 MW in the national system to strengthen the economy and enhance hydro generation project. The total power potential of the project was 2,100 MW originally which was enhanced to 3,478 MW and now will be further enhancement to 4438 MW with the completion of Tarbela fourth Extension Project.

According to the General Manager (Power Wing) WAPDA, the basic objective of the proposed project is to add more hydel power to the national system to strengthen the economy and enhance hydropower’s generation share.

Regarding the latest position of the project, he said that the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) intended to hire the services of consultants for Detailed Engineering Design and Tender Documents of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project Units 15 & 16 (960 MW).

Giving details of the project, he said that the project has a capacity of 960 MW, generated by two turbines each with a Rated Capacity of 480 MW. He added that it would be initiated on priority basis and aimed at enhancing the level of hydel power generation.

The Project Tarbela 4th Extension will be built at Tarbela Dam which is situated on the Indus River at a distance of about 70 kilometers North West of Rawalpindi/Islamabad and about 50 kilometers upstream of Attock.

The Tarbela Dam Project is the capstone of the Indus Basin Plan, envisaged as a replacement for water previously fed by eastern rivers. The project is considered the backbone of the country's economy and facilitates the supply of irrigation water and provides water for use in power for industry, agriculture and domestic use.

Civil works on the Tarbela Dam was started in 1968 by the international contractors, M/S TJV under design and supervision of M/S TAMS, and was completed by 1974.

The main Tarbela dam project consists of a 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) long and 470 feet (143 meters) high (above the river bed) earth and rock-filled embankment across the entire width of the river, with two spillways cutting through the left bank and discharging water into a side valley.— APP

[aamirzs]

Pakistan, U.S. officials to hammer out energy ideas
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Afghani...E59F59820091016

[Tarbela]

MOL begins supply of 250 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) gas and 4,280 barrels crude oil per day from Manzalai field


MOL Pakistan, the operator of the Tal block in NWFP, on Wednesday announced that it had started supply of 250 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) gas and 4,280 barrels crude oil per day from the Manzalai field.

MOL Group Gyorgy Mosonyi addressing a press conference said that gas supplies from the Manzalai field had started to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. ‘Gas production from the field will reach 300 mmcfd by 2013,’ he added.

Manzalai field is located in Karak and Hangu districts of the NWFP

[Tarbela]

Govt plans 747MW power generation worth Rs 59.775 billion

ISLAMABAD: With the assistance of US and China, the government plans “747MW Combined Cycle Power Plant at Guddu” with a cost of Rs 59.775 billion with Rs 45.472 billion as Foreign Exchange Component (FEC).

Sources in the Ministry of Water and Power told Daily Times that “Export Credit Agency (ECA) Financing Consortium” would finance the project. The Chinese Exim Bank and US EXIM BANK would finance the 85 percent of cost of the project (for respective country’s origin equipment) whereas 15 percent of engineering, procurement and construction cost and local component would be arranged by the GENCO-II.

Installation of 747MW gas turbine combined cycle power plant at Guddu comprises of two gas turbines 261MW each, two heat recovery steam generation and one steam turbine unit of 225MW. This plant would operate on gas by diverting gas quota of 120 mmcfd of existing steam units (1-4) of power complex at Guddu. The gas turbines were improved design and have higher efficiency with combined cycle up to 56 percent, the sources maintained.

The project would be completed in 36 months and an amount of Rs 22.967 billion has been earmarked for the year 2009-10 under Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The existing power generation capacity was not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand of the country. The power demand projection based on growth rate shows that power demand would increase from 15,183MW in 2007-08 to about 20,000MW in 2010-11 in the WAPDA system and severe shortage of power was expected in the next two years.
Daily Times

[Tarbela]

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin has reportedly expressed surprised that the power ministry and the PPIB were moving ahead with the RPPs despite a cabinet decision to have RPP contracts audited by the ADB.


ISLAMABAD: The ministries of finance and water and power have developed serious differences over implementation of controversial rental power projects (RPPs) before their contract clearance by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under a decision by the federal cabinet.

Informed sources told Dawn the finance ministry is worried over financial implications of the projects in case these reach the commissioning stage before their proper approval by the ADB and the federal cabinet.

The water and power ministry, on the other hand, is more concerned to meet the Dec 31 deadline, these sources said.
http://www.dawn.com

[Tarbela]

Move to make windmill turbines locally

ISLAMABAD: The ministry of industries has issued directives to the State Engineering Corporation to take initiative for local manufacturing of windmill turbines in view of the prevailing energy crisis in the country.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mian Manzur Wattoo asked the chairman of State Engineering to explore the possibility of manufacturing windmill turbines at the Pakistan Machine Tool Factory in Karachi for power generation through windmills.

The ministry is currently evaluating international tenders for the installation of wind mills in the coastal areas of Sindh, which have been termed as potential source of wind energy by the donor community.

While the ministry was examining the technical and financial aspects of the windmill projects, Mr Wattoo directed the officials to complete review of the project expeditiously as the government was serious to promote low-cost windmill power generation in the country.

Pakistan has considerable potential of wind energy in the coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan as well as in the desert areas of Punjab and Sindh. In view of the existing potential and the anticipated future energy needs, the government had set a target of at least five per cent of the total national power generation through renewable energy, especially wind by the year 2030.

The wind data has been collected from Pakistan Metrological Department and analysed by Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB).

The data provides that the coastal belt of Pakistan wind corridor is 60km wide (Gharo-Keti Bandar) and 180km long up to Hyderabad. This corridor has the exploitable potential of 50,000MW of electricity generation through windmills.

According to a report of Asian Development Bank on Energy Security, wind power has been a very successful technology, growing rapidly worldwide. Since 2001, installed capacity has grown by 20 to 30 per cent a year. In 2007 alone, $31 billion worth was added, bringing global capacity to 94 GW.

Today, most of the world’s wind power capacity is land-based. The size of onshore wind turbines has increased steadily over the last 25 years. Large turbines can usually deliver electricity at a lower average cost than smaller ones.

[Tarbela]

Iran-Pak Wind Power to set up 50MW wind farm

KARACHI: Iran-Pak Wind Power (Pvt) Ltd, a joint venture between private sectors of Iran and Pakistan will set up a 50 megawatts wind farm in Pakistan. According to the chief executive officer of the project, Khurram Sayeed this was the first of its kind project in the private sector among companies of Iran and Pakistan. He said the company had been incorporated in Pakistan along with the Iranian Group Sunir, which had a 50 percent stake in the project. Sayeed is the chairman of the Alternate Energy Committee at the FPCCI.
app

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...0-1-2010_pg5_13

[Tarbela]

Pak-Iran to expedite 1000 MW power project


ISLAMABAD: Thursday, 28 Jan, 2010 : Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Masha'allah Shakeri and Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf Thursday agreed to expedite the process of importing 1000 MW power from Iran to Pakistan on fast track basis.

The Iranian envoy called on the Water and Power Minister and discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations to further boost economic ties between the two countries.

The current status of transmission line for import of 100 MW power for Gawadar from Iran was also discussed.

Pervez Ashraf said a Pakistani delegation was leaving for Iran on Thursday night to discuss matters relating to import of power within the shortest possible time.

Both sides also discussed the current status of gas pipeline project, construction of transmission line for import of 100 MW for Gawadar and 1000 MW for national grid and appreciated each others' co-operation in this respect.

Earlier, the minister while welcoming the envoy said Pakistan had close brotherly relations with Iran. Pakistan valued the help and support of Iran and was desirous of expanding bilateral relations in all sectors.

Pervez Ashraf said the government was taking necessary measures to generate electricity to bridge the demand and supply gap through fast track projects.

He informed that the government attached high priority to exploit indigenous resources like coal, hydel and wind for power generation.

He also assured full support to facilitate Iranian investors in water and power sectors of Pakistan.

[Tarbela]

Punjab Assembly asks centre to buy nuclear plants


LAHORE (February 17 2010): Punjab Assembly in a resolution has unanimously asked the federal government to make efforts for procurement of nuclear plants and get the restrictions removed imposed by certain countries including international agencies. The resolution said that nuclear energy was cheapest after hydel energy but the country was not producing it. During the presentation an MPA emphasised on acquisition of solar energy which the chair asked the legislator to bring a resolution in this regard.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2010

[Tarbela]

Pakistan, General Electric sign MoU to produce 54,000 megawatts by 2020

ISLAMABAD: The government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Electric (GE) in the Prime Minister House to help promote the modernisation of Pakistan’s infrastructure and economy.
Saleem H. Mandviwala, Chairman Board of Investment and Nani Beccalli-Falco, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE International singed the MOU on behalf of the government of Pakistan and General Electric Company respectively.

The agreement focuses on the development of Pakistan’s energy resources to meet projected demand of 54,000 megawatts by the year 2020. “General Electric is helping build the energy, water, transportation and technology infrastructure of the new century,” says Nani Beccalli-Falco, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE International. “There are huge synergies between the products and services GE businesses provide in energy and infrastructure and the needs and goals of Pakistan to modernize its economy with cleaner, more efficient and better infrastructure technologies.” GE has similar agreements with a number of other governments, including Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Qatar and the province of Ontario, Canada.
The government of Pakistan aimed to meet projected energy demands using diverse sources and tactics. Possible solutions include renewable sources, such as, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, coal, hydro and conventional thermal through gas and steam turbines, rehabilitation of existing power generation facilities, along with transfer of technology for manufacture and repair of turbines, developing more efficient and environmentally sound rail transport systems, developing water purification and reuse, wastewater treatment, and process system programs.
According to the MOU’s terms, GE would assist Pakistan in achieving its goals by engaging in Pakistan’s energy, transportation and water sectors and would work to identify potential sources of funding and explore potential investment opportunities in those sectors. Pakistan has committed to meeting with GE regularly to facilitate the goals of the MoU and provide support to the establishment and operation of the GE facilities in Pakistan, transparently and consistent with the laws and regulations of Pakistan. Pakistan would also facilitate the issuance of work permits and visas for the GE employees and contractors as needed in order to support the objectives of the signed MOU.

staff report
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...24-2-2010_pg5_7

[Tarbela]

Wind power projects may get 13.5 cents/kWh

KARACHI: The government will likely have to offer a tariff of 13.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour and a 20-25 per cent rate of return on investment for wind power projects, industry people told the government here on Monday.

The proposed tariff is more than the previous upfront 9.5 cents offered to investors that had to be withdrawn late last year after it failed to generate any interest, a consultative meeting on Renewable Energy Policy discussed.

Representatives of the industry, experts and officials of the Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB) have held series of negotiations to finalise a new medium term policy. The final policy draft is expected to be completed on March 8, 2010 for its presentation to Economic Coordination Committee of Cabinet for approval.

“A lot of wind turbine suppliers like Siemens and General Electric have set their eyes on our market,” Adnan Tapal, director of Green Power told The News. “These are the people we had to run after just two years back.”

Green Power is one of the twenty Pakistani companies which have been trying in vain to harness wind corridor in interior of Sindh to generate electricity. “As far as financing is concerned, IFC is onboard with us. We are hoping for a financial close by next October but a good indicative tariff is imperative.”

Multilateral lenders including World Bank and Asian Development Bank are part of many renewable energy projects. Yet, none have started production. However, it is expected that the new policy framework will help different companies to achieve financial close for as much as 200mw wind power projects in 2010, industry people say.

Rise in demand in other countries for alternate power sources, deteriorating political and security situation here and relatively low tariff are termed as main reasons behind failure of these project to materialize.

Despite passage of more than five years since first alternate energy policy came, only one Turkish company, Zorlu Energy, has set up windmills on commercial scale. It is running six turbines of 1mw each.

Mujahid Sadiq, DG International Cooperation at AEDB, says it is not unusual for a country new to concept of alternate energy generation to take time in preparing policy framework. “We don’t have a precedent unlike thermal power plants so there is always risk involved,” he said, adding investor’s interest will develop once few renewable energy projects are commissioned.

The power tariff for renewable energy projects automatically comes down after a certain period, normally 10 years, as the investors recover finance cost. Pakistan is facing a severe energy shortage, which has slowed down industrial output and caused angry riots in many cities. Circular debt, which runs into billions of rupees, has crippled government’s power sector entities.

Massive investment is needed in power infrastructure to check line losses and improve service to convince people to pay their bills. While public sector power distributors are running in losses, government has ensured fixed returns to independent power producers, which use expensive fuel oil.
By Saad Hasan

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=226633

[Tarbela]

1,000 megawatts 'Casarem' project: MoF entrusted with overseeing


ISLAMABAD (March 03 2010): The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has reportedly been given oversight responsibility in the financial affairs of the proposed Central Asia, South Asia Regional Market (CASAREM) project envisaging trade of 1000 MW electricity from Central to South Asia, sources told Business Recorder. The decision was taken by the Cabinet in its meeting on February 24, 2010 which was also attended by former Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin.

"The Cabinet resolved that the cost of energy and cost of transmission be distinctly bifurcated and linked with the domestic benchmark," sources said. Several Cabinet members, sources said, had raised questions over financial implications and transparency of the project, which is still doubtful due to law and order situation in Afghanistan.

"The Cabinet directed the Finance Ministry to further examine the project along these lines, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Water and Power," sources added. Official documents available with this scribe show that the Cabinet had approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for import of electricity from CASAREM, a proposal initiated by the Ministry of Water and Power in March 2009. However, the Cabinet withheld ex post facto approval of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) till a prudent tariff/import price of electricity from this source was determined.

The Ministry of Water and Power in its summary has claimed that cost of electricity to be imported from Tajikistan--7.5 -8.5 cents per unit (kWh)--is less than average cost of rental power plants (RPPs) in Pakistan, which is 12.27 cents per unit.

MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN
Copyright Business Recorder, 2010

[Tarbela]

PPIB issues LoS for 404MW power plant

Thursday, March 04, 2010


ISLAMABAD: The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and Uch-II Power an affiliate of Uch Power Ltd (UPL) have signed a Letter of Support (LoS) for a 404MW power project based on indigenous low Btu gas from Uch gas field to be located near Dera Murad Jamali, District Nasirabad, Balochistan.

According to the press release issued here on Wednesday the project will bring foreign investment of around $500 million to the country resulting into socio-economic uplift of Balochistan and Pakistan.

The major shareholders of Uch-II Power Project are International Power of UK and Creative Energy Resources, UAE.

The Uch-II Power Project is based on indigenous low Btu gas and in view of the prevailing power shortages and increasing dependence on imported fuel oil, this Project is very important from national perspective.

The low Btu gas cannot be injected to national gas pipeline system and may only be used for power generation. As per the agreed timeline the Uch-II Power is required start commercial operation of project by 2013.

The News

[Tarbela]

Wind power project to be set up in Thatta


A wind power project of 50 megawatts would be set up in Thatta district with technological assistance of Iran at an estimated cost of 200 million dollars.

This was revealed during a meeting of Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah with Chief Executive of Iran-Pak Wind Power (Pvt) Ltd Khurram Sayeed at the CM House on Wednesday.

Khurram apprised the CM about his project which will be undertaken by joint venture and with complete loan from his firm.

He further said that they had made a survey of Thatta and Jamshoro districts, where these projects would be feasible. Initially, the wind power project would be set up in Thatta district, for which an area of 600 to 100 acres will be required and it would generate up to 50 MW.

According to Khurram Sayeed, their firm is already running these projects in Iran as it is fully equipped with latest technology in wind power generation.

An amount of 200 million dollars will be provided as loan for this project. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah appreciated the proposed project and said that the Sindh government will encourage power generation projects so as to meet the electricity shortage. He said that incentives will be provided to intending investors and assured the team of IranñPak Wind Power (Pvt) Ltd that the project will be examined and the required land will be provided. He advised them to process the matter through the Board of Revenue (Sindh) and Board of Investment (Sindh) for the allotment of the land.

Shah hoped that IranñPak Wind Power firm will come out with good results as far as wind power project was concerned. Project Manager Iran Power and Water Industries Equipment and Services Export Company Ehsan Nadjafi was also present at the meeting.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=228355
Thursday, March 11, 2010

[Tarbela]

‘Solar energy helps villagers increase income, save money’


The provision of electricity, through an LED-lightening project, to villages where the facility was hitherto not available, has increased working hours, and thus helped people generate more income. The project has also enabled them to save Rs1,500 per month, which they would otherwise have spent on kerosene oil.

This was stated on Monday by Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Foundation Director (and custodian of Sewhan Sharif), Dr Syed Mehdi Raza, during a press conference at the Dow Medical College (DMC) Professional Development Centre.

Under “Pehli Kiran” (first ray of light), a philanthropic programme, the villages were provided with solar energy-generation systems. The project is jointly supported by the government’s National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) and LEDtronics Inc., USA, according to Ayaz Mahmood of Shaan Technologies.

Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Masood Hameed Khan said that DUHS had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with “Pehli Kiran” to set up medical camps in the LED-lit areas and also help market the handicraft of residents of the area.

Prof. Khan called for the need to support various social-sector programmes and projects for the improvement and enhancement of education and literacy and primary healthcare; poverty alleviation; development of working skills; and the improvement of social service delivery.

[Tarbela]

Jang Group organises expo on alternative energy solutions

LAHORE: Alternative energy solution, including solar-power generation, can help Pakistan in easing its energy crisis and also curb prolonged power outages.

This was the crux of speeches delivered by participants at an expo organised by the Jang Group on Solar Power and Alternate Solutions of Energy at a local hotel on Wednesday. A large number of people visited the Expo, showing keen interest in alternative energy solutions as a remedy to prolonged power failures, which are adversely affecting life of the common people.

Four government departments and 13 private companies set up their stalls at the exhibition, informing visitors about the benefits of alternative and solar energy.

Asif, however, added that solar energy could never deplete and the country’s power needs could be met by exploiting it. Pakistan legged behind in the use of solar energy compared with many other nations of the world, he said. However, the delay in introducing the solar technology could be minimised by adopting fast-track policies for its promotion, he added.

Earlier, Managing Director Marketing Jang Group Sarmad Ali in his address of welcome said frequent and prolonged power outages had become a routine in Pakistan. The country faced 4,500 megawatt electricity shortage and rising circular debt, he said adding that hydropower generation could also meet the energy needs of the country.

To meet the country’s energy requirements through rental power plants is a question mark, Sarmad said. He further said thermal power generation would take much long time. He said solar power could be generated in a short span of time.

“Europe is exploiting solar energy and India also has started work on it as well,” he said, citing Spain where one area had been generating 60 per cent of energy through solar power generation. He said Pakistan could generate solar power at a broader spectrum.


He mentioned that the Punjab government had initiated pilot projects for use of solar energy solutions in agriculture. Souvenirs were distributed among the participants and guests at the Expo.

[Tarbela]

Pledges access for Pak products to US; $125m aid for three thermal power units;



WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday US pledged a $125 million aid to boost the energy sector in Pakistan, besides allowing Pakistani products access to US markets and speeding up military equipment transfers, Geo News reported.

In a joint press briefing with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi here after holding the strategic dialogue with the Pakistani delegation, she termed the strategic sitting important not only for Pakistan but also for the US administration.

She pledged American assistance to  provide cooperation in the establishment of three thermal power plants to lessen the power crisis in Pakistan.

[Tarbela]

320 MW each are being built by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has formally approved $1.91 billion inter-governmental framework agreement for financing of Chashma 3 and 4 nuclear power projects with Peoples Republic of China, sources told Dawn on Monday.

The federal cabinet in its last meeting had ratified the agreement under which China would provide 82 per cent of the total $1.91 billion financing to Pakistan for the projects as soft loan for a period of 20 years with eight-year grace period, the sources said.

The Chashma nuclear power project 3 and 4 of 320 MW each are being built by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and China Zongyuan Engineering Corporation at the existing Chashma site in district Mianwali.

The government of Pakistan would arrange 18 per cent of the total financing of these projects and 82 per cent will be provided by Chinese Eximbank.

The Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement has loaning facility in three phases. The first loan agreement would amount to $104 million with an annual interest rate at one per cent, management fee at 0.2 per cent and commitment fee at 0.2pct.

The second loan preferential buyer credit agreement would allow Pakistan to get $1 billion with annual interest rate of 2 per cent, management fee at 0.2 per cent and commitment fee also at 0.2pc.

The third loan is to enable Pakistan obtain buyers credit worth $474 million with annual interest rate of 6 per cent, management fee at 0.75 per cent, commitment fee at 0.5 per cent and insurance 7pc.

However, the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement provides that annual composite interest rate would not increase over 3 per cent in any case.

The two projects are being established for meeting the growing power shortfall in the country and Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has already approved these projects, sources in the Planning Commission said.

Each unit will comprise of Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS), a turbine-generator set and the associated auxiliary equipment and installations, the sources said.

The NSSS consists of a reactor and two coolant loops connected in parallel to the reactor vessel. Each loop consists of a reactor coolant pump and steam generator.

The design of C-3 and C-4 units is similar to the design of under-construction C-2 which is an improved version of C-1. These improvements are based on feedback from C-1 and safety enhancements to meet the requirements of the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).

The Chashma-1 nuclear power plant producing 300 MW is in commercial operations since 2000.

[Tarbela]

‘German firm to install 50MW solar plant in Thatta’


A German company is likely to install 50 megawatt (MW) solar energy plant in Thatta district. This was stated at the second meeting of Board of Investment (SBI) chaired by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah at the CM House on Tuesday.

Initially, a 5-10 MW capacity unit would be installed to collect data on this new sector. Three probable sites have been identified at Dhabeji, Education City and Bhambhore. The meeting was told that there was a plan to set up a 35MW wind energy farm for which around $6 million grant would likely be sought from Holland with the help of a firm, Transatlantic Energy.

[haroons222]

Salam
   Well you've been posting links since last yr, so thanks for all the work.I cursory look thru these and i get the impresssion that some of these projects are way more feasible than others...for instance, the last post says that 35MW wind farm for 6 million dollars, while an earlier posts sites 200 m$ for a 50mw.
Also different types of resources have different costs associated with them. the nuclear powre plants are almost 2 bn dollars and would produce 640MW while other projects are more cheaper and more effecient...
i wonder how much kickbacks play into this and politics ofcourse...im sure chinese projects will pushed thru quicker.

Also, any news on any of these actually being completed, or even started.
I often wonder how we never saw this coming in the last 10 yrs, and squandered all the aid away....

Any govt. clarification on why they refuse to take the Iranians on their offer?thats the ONLY READY solution that we have, but i think the PPP sadist enjoy torturing the masses....is this an illuminati conspiracy to cause anarchy in our country and show how our ppl are on the edge?I was talking to an uncle who has a medcal transcription biz in lahore and he was cussing the govt. out...they cant afford power outtages and his business has sufferend so much, and its across the board, so many bsuinesses have shut down.

[Tarbela]

Salam
   Well you've been posting links since last yr, so thanks for all the work.I cursory look thru these and i get the impresssion that some of these projects are way more feasible than others...for instance, the last post says that 35MW wind farm for 6 million dollars, while an earlier posts sites 200 m$ for a 50mw.
Also different types of resources have different costs associated with them. the nuclear powre plants are almost 2 bn dollars and would produce 640MW while other projects are more cheaper and more effecient...
i wonder how much kickbacks play into this and politics ofcourse...im sure chinese projects will pushed thru quicker.

Also, any news on any of these actually being completed, or even started.
I often wonder how we never saw this coming in the last 10 yrs, and squandered all the aid away....

Any govt. clarification on why they refuse to take the Iranians on their offer?thats the ONLY READY solution that we have, but i think the PPP sadist enjoy torturing the masses....is this an illuminati conspiracy to cause anarchy in our country and show how our ppl are on the edge?I was talking to an uncle who has a medcal transcription biz in lahore and he was cussing the govt. out...they cant afford power outtages and his business has sufferend so much, and its across the board, so many bsuinesses have shut down.

Frankly speaking,we will not know the actual amount for various reason, in Pakistan it will largely depends upon the level of corruption, level of loan & their percentage interest, country of origin, different countries have different price structure depends upon their quality,  so that is the reason for price difference.
Secondly, I have to post the news items, as we can not do anything as you know our system of working, so i just read the news and feel happy and share with you, otherwise, we know what is the actual story, so read the news and be happy, we can not do other than that.
  

[Tarbela]

Plans to generate 3,000MW in next five years through renewable resources and use of bagasse in the sugar industry

The government is planning to tap sugar industry resources and to generate around 3,000 megawatts during the next five years to meet power shortage in the country. This will help in reducing the import bill of furnace oil by $980 million.

Generation of cheaper electricity through renewable resources and use of bagasse in the sugar industry will be encouraged,î an official in the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) said, adding that Nepra has taken a landmark decision to provide incentives to those sugar mills who have shown their readiness to generate electricity for the national grid by the end of March 2014.

Announcing its tariff determination for the first sugar mill, which has proposed to generate 80MW through use of bagasse and coal, the regulatory authority has decided that in order to encourage available potential of over 3,000MW through use of bagasse and coal, the internal rate of return (IRR) of 18 per cent on bagasse will be given as an incentive to those sugar mills who achieve commercial operation by March 2014.

The IRR for bagasse at 18 per cent is three per cent higher than the IRR allowed to the thermal projects on residual fuel oil or gas.

The official said that the bagasse based Co-Gen power projects of 3,000MW have the potential to earn over $980 million of foreign exchange per annum that can be spent on the purchase of expensive residual fuel oil for generation during 188 days bagasse-based operations.

It is expected that the tariff of 9.28 US cents per kilowatt per hour will be offered to the sugar industry based on the incentive of higher IRR, which will go a long way in meeting the longstanding demand of the industry.

The News

[haroons222]

‘German firm to install 50MW solar plant in Thatta’


A German company is likely to install 50 megawatt (MW) solar energy plant in Thatta district. This was stated at the second meeting of Board of Investment (SBI) chaired by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah at the CM House on Tuesday.

Initially, a 5-10 MW capacity unit would be installed to collect data on this new sector. Three probable sites have been identified at Dhabeji, Education City and Bhambhore. The meeting was told that there was a plan to set up a 35MW wind energy farm for which around $6 million grant would likely be sought from Holland with the help of a firm, Transatlantic Energy.

Thanks again for the article...i am however interested in the cost of this project...solar energy is one of the most expensive renewable energy source these days...