KARACHI (May 20 2009): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $5.3 billion for 60 on-going development projects for Pakistan as of July 2008, which included financing of $2.166 billion for energy projects. This was stated by ADB country director Rune Stroem at the 5th Pogee conference at Karachi Expo Centre here on Tuesday.
He said that ADB had provided $1.8 billion in 2007, $1.2 billion in 2008 and $1.5 billion for 2009 to Pakistan, "and stands as the largest development partner of this country". He said that these projects were in key infrastructure sectors including energy, transportation, water resources and reforms. Rune said that ADB was also the largest development partner in energy sector and across the power supply chain.
The ongoing loans included $510 million for renewable energy, $800 million for power transmission, $810 million for power distribution enhancement, he added. Similarly, ADB will provide $350 million for sustainable energy efficiency, $800 million for power transmission enhancement and $500 million for energy infrastructure under its future loan programme.
Rune said that the ongoing technical assistance programme included gas sector restructuring, establishment of central power purchase agency, renewable energy policy formulation and capacity building, power distribution enhancement and energy efficiency.
He said that ADB has recently concluded technical assistance programme for the development of Thar coal fields and provision of technical support to office of energy advisor to Prime Minister. He said that future technical assistance programme included Nepra institutional capacity building and energy infrastructure.
In addition, ADB is also investing in private sector energy projects including Fauji Kabirwala, Dharki Power, New Bong Hydro, Rajdhani, Winpower and LNG projects. Earlier, Hydrocarbon Development Institute Director General Hilal Raza said that Pakistan's energy demand would reach over 360 million tons of oil equivalent in 2030 which is six times the present needs.
Former SSGC managing director Muwanar Baseer Ahmad talked about Pakistan's new energy plan 2010-2030. He said it was unfortunate that Thar coal was discovered 20 years ago but not a single bankable feasibility was available for the project. PPIB Executive Director N A Zuberi discussed opportunities and challenges for private power generation in Pakistan, while Aqeel Ahmed of ABB Ltd gave suggestions for energy efficiency to avoid power shortages.
