Pakistan's Energy & Water - News and Updates

[sparklingway]

National Assembly Questions Session of September 30, 2010

Ms. Shahnaz Saleem:
Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is any proposal to construct dams on the run of water from Northern Areas, Afghanistan and Azad Kashmir for generating electricity and agricultural purposes;
(b) if so, the time by which it will be implemented?

Minister for Water and Power (Raja Pervaiz Ashraf): (a) WAPDA has taken up following projects to fulfill electricity and agriculture requirements of the Country.
1 NORTHERN AREAS
i. Diamer-Basha Dam Project
The Project is located on Indus River, 40 Km downstream of Chilas and is 430 Km from Islamabad. The Project having total capacity of 4500 MW will produce annual energy of 16.7 Billion KWh. The Project has a live storage of 6.4 MAF. The project expected to be completed by 2020-21 with an approximate cost of Rs. 894.3 Billion.

ii. Satpara Dam Project
The Project is located on Satpara Nullah about 10 Km south of Skardu about 750 Km from Islamabad. The Project has 16 MW installed capacity and generate 105 million KWh of annual energy. The live storage capacity of the project is 0.053 MAF. The Project is expected to be completed in Dec. 2010. The total project cost is Rs.4480 Million.

iii. Bunji Hydel Power Project
The Project is located on Indus River near Gilgit. Power House and Dam sites are 560 Km & 610 Km respectively from Islamabad. The project has an installed capacity of 5400 MW with annual energy of 20.1 billion KWh. Detailed Design will be completed by October 2010.

iv. Phandar Hydropower Project
The Project area is located between Phandar Lake and Chhashi Gol, near the Chhashi Village on the right side of Ghizar River in Ghizar District of Northern Areas. Phandar Lake is located about 160 km north-west of Gilgit town and 775 Km north of Islamabad. The project has an installed capacity of 80 MW with annual energy of 350 Million KWh. Feasibility study completed. Selection of Consultants is in process for Detailed Engineering Design and preparation of Tender Documents.

v. Basho Hydropower Project
The proposed scheme is identified along 1 Km lower stretch of Basho Lungma, a left tributary of Indus river. The confluence of Basho Lungma with Indus river is located about 40 Km downstream of northwest of Skardu town and 704 Km north-west of Islamabad. The project has an installed capacity of 28 MW with annual energy of 135 Million KWh. Hiring of Consultants for updation of Feasibility Study is in progress.

2. AFGHANISTAN
NIL

3. AZAD KASHMIR
i. Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project
The project is located in the vicinity of Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. The Project envisages the diversion of the Neelum river through tunnels at Nauserl 41 Km upstream of Muzaffarabad arid out falling in the Jhelum river. The Project is located 177 Km from Islamabad. The project has 969 MW installed capacity and will generate 5,15 billion KWh of annual energy. The construction of project started in February 2008 and is expected to be completed in year 2015, The total project cost is Rs. 84502 Million.

ii Kohala Hydropower Project
The project is located in Muzaffarbad District, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, The dam site is proposed on Jhelum River, 174 Km from Islamabad and power house is located 7 Km upstream from Kohala Bridge, The project has a capacity of 1100 MW with annual energy of 4.8 Billion KWh. Feasibility Study and Detailed Engineering Design completed by WAPDA. The project Will be developed by CWE on BOOT basis.

(b) UNDER CONSTRUCTION Expected Completion Date
• Diamer-Basha Darn Project 2020-21
• Satpara Dam Project December 2010
• Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project 2015

 

[sparklingway]

Potential Exists To Get 7,000 MW From Thar Coal By 2015​

Pakistan can produce as much as 7,000 megawatts from coal based power generation projects by 2015 if the government goes aggressively to pursue investors, says Secretary Coal and Energy Sindh and Chief Executive Thar Coal Energy Board, Ejaz Ali Khan in an exclusive interview with Energy Update.

He said that there are projections that at least 2,700 MW of electricity will be generated from Thar coal with the existing number of projects and current pace of development by 2015. However, if the infrastructure is completed on priority basis and international donors like World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) are actively persuaded by the government, then the power generation can be increased to 7000 MW.

He said that if all the coal based projects are entertained properly, the country can have at least 30,000 to 60,000 MW of power by 2030. This will not only benefit the country in terms of improving the balance of payment but ensure availability of cheaper electricity to the economy and reduce cost of production of the industrial, commercial and agriculture sectors.Thar coal provides indigenous, affordable and dependable source of energy for the country. This coal can change the destiny of the country by providing energy security. This will bring down the overall tariff in the country and make our industry and exports competitive in the international market.

We have by now sorted most of the issues under Thar Coal Energy Board (TCEB) and various local and international firms are on ground in the field. Chief Minister Sindh is the chairman of TCEB while federal Minister for Water and Power is the vice chairman and federal Finance and Law Ministers are also its members. This body has helped a lot in accelerating decision making because both federal and provincial authorities are in the board.

The excavation of Thar coal involves a lengthy process than other coal fields, as we have to go for open pit mining here. It is time consuming as we have to remove the entire surface of the mine in open pit technology. We have also conducted long pumping test with the help of World Bank to ascertain the presence of underground water.

One British company Oracle, one Australian firm, one joint venture with Engro, one UAE company and a joint venture between Sindh and federal government for coal gasification are at various stages of initial work. The response of the investors is very positive and they are willing to undertake coal-based projects in Thar and other coal fields of Sindh. They know that Pakistan is energy hungry company and setting up energy projects here is very profitable. Three more blocks namely Block 1, 3B and 7 will be offered for bidding soon. The response is good and 3 to 4 companies from China, Australia and local company will be participating in the bidding.

Quoting PEPCO projections, he said demand for electricity in Pakistan will reach to 50,000 MW by the year 2020 and 113,690 MW by 2030. We need to encourage investors to go for coal instead of furnace oil or gas which is not available in the country in short or medium term. A total of $ 1.1 billion will be required for infrastructure development in Thar coal field. This means that $ 200 million be required every year to undertake various projects at different stages. This fund would be raised through joint efforts which included funding from provincial government, federal government under PSDP and international lenders like World Bank, ADB. By the end of 2012, water drainage scheme will be completed while fresh water project and power transmission line will be commissioned by 2015 according to schedule.

NTDC has engaged a Canadian firm Lavalin as a consultant to prepare a feasibility for laying 1200 kVA transmission line under ADB funding to transmit 10,000 MW of electricity from Thar to national grid. This feasibility will also include the rehabilitation of entire NTDC transmission network. The government will work on a project to provide 100 cusecs of water per day to Thar coal field at a cost of Rs 27 billion. Coal projects have two needs for fresh water, first they need water for cooling their towers.

We are also working on effluent drainage scheme to drain out water from coal mines with the help of Irrigation Department. We are looking into the possibility of reusing this water through treatment. We have also awarded contract to Civil Aviation Authority for the construction of airport in Thar. Sindh government will bear the cost. We have asked Railways Pakistan Railways Advisory Consultancy Services (PRACS) to prepare feasibility for laying a broad gauge railway track to link Karachi to Thar coal field via Badin. Similarly, new roads will be constructed to facilitate transportation of heavy machinery to the site at a cost of Rs 3.7 billion on public private partnership basis. We have set different timeline for infrastructure projects. We need drainage system and roads by the end of 2012, while the availability of fresh water should be ready by 2015. Similarly, transmission line should be ready by 2015.

Energy security is the most important agenda of all the government around the world and it is the most important requirement in today’s world. Everything runs on energy. Thar can provide uninterrupted coal supply to generate energy at economical rates. China and Australia produce 80 percent of their electricity from coal, while India 70 percent and USA 50 percent of their total electricity from coal. As much as nine blocks have been developed in Thar coal field. They can generate 60,000 MW of electricity.

Environmental Issue
There will be no environmental issue in the use of Thar coal for power generation as the government will ensure that all the stakeholders must adopt environmental friendly processes in mining and power generation. The World Bank’s compliance is needed for these projects as the funds would be mobilized internationally. Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is must for coal projects. Otherwise no funding will be available to these projects. Oracle has engaged world leading firm to prepare. Environment is on top of our agenda and we would never want that energy projects are stalled due to environmental issues.

CSR
As per agreed and devised regulations, at least 2 percent of the earning per share will be spent on CSR by the projects.Thar coal projects will generate a large number of jobs for locals. One power project of 1000 MW generates at least 2500 jobs.

For creating a trained manpower in Thar, we are setting up a training institute at Mithi in collaboration with internationally reputed institutions to train local population in coal mining and coal based energy technology. This institute will be set up before the start of mining and commissioning of power projects so that the investors can get trained manpower in the vicinity of coal field and their plants.

We have floated an international expression of interest (EOI) to invite reputed international training institutes for this purpose. We have approached a highly reputed German institute Ahaan, Australian mining institute, South African institute and a Czek institute for this purpose. They will hold short courses of less then one year in various fields including operations of computerized machinery.

We have sent Engro team to Germany to see the world’s largest open pit mine which is two kilometer long and 700 meters wide. The lignite value of Thar coal ranges between 4,000 to 10,000 Btu. If the ash and water are removed, its value can be enhanced to 12,000 Btu. We can also convert this coal into 10 to 12 hydrocarbon products including gas, diesel and tar.We are actively pursuing our joint venture project with Engro. Once the mining begins at the site, you will see a long queue of investors in Thar.

We have also requested Chinese company Shenhua to come back, but they are now over committed in other parts of the world including Korea, Indonesia and Australia and they don’t have time now for Pakistan. In my opinion, Thar would have be generating at least 4000 MW today, if Shenhua was allowed the demanded tariff by the NEPRA.Thar Coal Energy Board (TCEB) has been declared as pricing agency.

ENERGY UPDATE

 

[sparklingway]

Expected completions by end of year:-

 

[Hyde]

are the IPPs also Oil/Gas powered plants right?

 

[sparklingway]

are the IPPs also Oil/Gas powered plants right?

Yes, of course.

 

[somebozo]

why is Afghanistan mentioned in a Pakistani minister questionnaire?

 

[masijames]

Agreement sought on Afghan-Pakistan gas pipeline
(AP) – 1 hour ago

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) — The leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan were in the capital of gas-rich Turkmenistan Saturday to push forward on ambitions to build a pipeline across their countries.

The pipeline, which would terminate in India, would bring huge amounts of gas to underdeveloped regions and could earn impoverished Afghanistan hundreds of millions of dollars in transit fees. But it would cross both Taliban-intensive stretches of Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan's unruly tribal areas.

The leaders, along with Turkmenistan's president and India's oil minister are expected to sign a document expressing support for the project. The next step would likely be to seek proposals and bids from energy companies.

Efforts to get the pipeline — called TAPI after the countries involved — under way have intensified in recent months as Afghanistan seeks ways to kick-start its economy, while Pakistan and India explore how to slake their energy thirst.

The project has also won vocal support from the United States, which is strongly opposed to India and Pakistan drawing supplies from Iran through another proposed gas pipeline.

Turkmenistan, which is believed to hold the world's fourth-largest gas reserves, is eager to find new markets for its potentially gargantuan energy exports amid flagging interest from Russia, its traditional client.

Plans to build a pipeline transporting the former Soviet nation's gas to Western Europe to date remain hazy ambitions.

The visit by Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari comes after months of technical consultations. India is expected be represented at Saturday's signing by petroleum minister Murli Deora.

The TAPI pipeline would stretch some 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) from Turkmenistan's Dovletabad field to the Indian township of Fazilka, just over the border with Pakistan. Its cost is estimated at about $8 billion.

Sections of the pipeline's intended path — across deep Taliban country in Afghanistan's Kandahar Province and then into Pakistan's restive tribal areas. That raises concern among experts about its near-term feasibility.

"The issue is not only security in the sense that you can't actually guarantee the safety of the pipeline, but actual construction is going to be difficult as well," said Maria Kuusisto, an Asia analyst at Eurasia Group.

With the capacity to deliver more than 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, TAPI would come as welcome relief for energy-parched nations along the route.

According to a preliminary breakdown, India and Pakistan would each stand to receive around 38 million cubic meters of gas out of the 90 million cubic meters shipped daily. Afghanistan would get the remainder.

Attempts to build a pipeline through Afghanistan date back to the mid-1990s, when the U.S.-led consortium Unocal was locked in fierce competition with Argentina's Bridas to win a deal to construct and run the route.

But as the Taliban gained control of Afghanistan, those ambitions were shelved and remained so during the next decade's war.

Turkmen President Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov has vigorously trumpeted TAPI, which presents an opportunity for to kburnish Turkmenistan's credentials as a bulwark of stability in the region.

Turkmen officials estimate that construction of the pipeline could generate around 12,000 jobs in Afghanistan and earn it several hundred millions dollars annually in transit fees.

Turkmenistan has sought to broaden its client base after Russia sharply cut back its imports from the Central Asian nation.

A 1,800-kilometer (1,080-mile) pipeline to China began pumping natural gas late last year.

Leonard contributed to this report from Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The Associated Press: Agreement sought on Afghan-Pakistan gas pipeline

 

[SMC]

Expected completions by end of year:-

Now that the year is over, how many of these projects are actually up and running?

 

[Karachiite]

Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station to run partially coal

KARACHI: The Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese company to convert two of its boilers at the Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station from furnace oil to coal, said KESC Manager Strategic Planning and Business Development Ammar Ali Talaat.
The conversion aims to reduce KESC’s reliance on furnace oil and will result in cost savings for the company and the consumers in the form of tariff reduction, he said while speaking at an energy awareness conference, organised by KESC at NED University here on Saturday.
He pointed out that Pakistan can save approximately $1 billion if power plants are converted to coal from furnace oil.

Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station to run partially coal – The Express Tribune

 

[Omar1984]

Hydropower projects in Gilgit-Baltistan

ADB to provide $35m for 30MW

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide an assistance of $35 million for exploring energy potential of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

“ADB has a planned assistance of $35 million for development of two mini hydropower projects included in its 2011 assistance pipeline for Pakistan,” the bank’s country director, Pakistan resident mission Rune Stroem said at a launching ceremony of economic report on GB Thursday.

He said these energy-oriented initiatives included 26 MW Shigar thang project and 4 MW projects of Chilas.

He said the ADB was the largest development partner of the government of Pakistan as reflective in the Partnership Strategy-2009-13 to provide assistance in different areas including infrastructure, water and transport besides other sectors.

Stressing collective efforts for GB’s uplift, he said” GB is important not just to elevate living standards and create economic opportunities for its local people. It is equally critical in furthering Pakistan’s own economic prospects and ensuring water and energy security for the country.”

The country director said the GB had important location which was the gateway to Pakistan’s regional cooperation and trade route with China and eventually with the Central Asian countries.

He underlined the need for working out a policy taking all stakeholders on board to ensure more investments for the GB as it could transform into an attractive transit hub, catalyzing greater regional trade cooperation and economic integration.

He also appreciated the government for its measures for utilizing the GB natural resources.

He said major water storage and hydel generation projects of Bhasha and Bunji Dams demonstrated and recognized potential of power generation of the areas, which would go a long way in tide over the country’s power crisis.

He said Pakistan’s economic and energy security in this way was interconnected with developing GB’s natural resource base, protecting its ecology and environment, upgrading its infrastructure base, raising the level and quality of its human resources, and creating livelihood and employment opportunities for its people.


Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

 

[RabzonKhan]

A watt saved..

By Pakistan Today | Published: April 16, 2011

Environmentalists call energy conservation the fifth fuel. Yes, beyond petroleum, coal, nuclear and alternative energy (all lumped together) there is the one fuel given the least attention: conservation and efficiency. And it is a wonderful sort of a fuel. It does not have a carbon footprint; in fact, it takes away from the footprint of other sources. It does not cost much; it is the only “source” of energy that saves you money if you use it. It is, in a manner of speaking, both regenerable and sustainable. It is, at the risk of sounding too emphatic, awesome.

Yet, news of the energy conservation plan that minister for water and power Naveed Qamar unveiled the other day is going to be met with derision. The principle basis for this scoffing is not going to be the 'failure' of last year’s energy conservation plan (a failure because it was expected- unreasonably, given the scale of our deficit - that there would be no load shedding since energy had been conserved). The derision, instead, is going to stem from the deep-rooted belief that the scarcity of anything is always a shortcoming on part of the incumbent government and that conservation is a lily-livered, half-baked approach that runs away from the problem rather than taking it on. That sustainable development is the stuff hippy, new-age types are bothered with, not the engines of real economy. But rethinking the inefficiencies in consumption patterns - commercial, industrial and household - is becoming a priority the world over. It's about time we do too.

Under no circumstances should this be interpreted as giving up on the capacity building front. That is, as it should be, underway. The government should be held accountable for any perceived lack of pace in that department. But the public should be cognizant of the fact that the present government inherited this huge power deficit from the previous regime. It should chip in as well. Switching off that extra light or keeping the AC at the prescribed 26 degrees adds up to the national grid, just the way a new run-of-the-river power project does.

 

[Omar1984]

Power shortfall goes up​

ISLAMABAD: The power crisis has deepened, forcing the Pakistan Electric Supply Company (PEPCO) to observe up to eight-hour load shedding in the country. The daily report shows shortfall of 3,935 megawatts (MW) on Saturday at a time temperature has come down in wake of current rain-spell and gust winds. The report puts the country’s total power generation at 11,020 MW against demand of 14,955 MW during the last 24 hours. The hydel generation stood at 2,711 MW, WAPDA thermal 1,571 MW, IPPs 6,538 MW and rental 200 MW. Some 630 MW electricity was supplied to the Karachi Electric Supply Company, the report further said. app

 

[Omar1984]

Widespread power outages​

Levying of taxes hits generators sales hard

* Traders and wholesalers say higher rates of generators forcing buyers to stay away from markets

By Tanveer Sher

KARACHI: The current spell of widespread power outages has failed to spur sales of all kinds of domestic electricity generators in the wholesale and retail markets of the city, which was attributed by traders and wholesalers on account of recent levying of host of taxes on the most demanding machinery of summer season.

Despite the onset of summer season coupled with prolonged hours of load shedding in the largest city of the country, customers have not responded as far as generators sales are concerned as compared to previous year as demand of all varieties have plunged by around 50 percent.

Interviews conducted at the largest wholesale generator market of the country situated at Shahrah-e-Liaquat Karachi, revealed that traders had pinned high hopes on increase in sales of generators they had imported in bulk before the start of summer season.

During the initial part of the summer season, cold shoulder response by the customers was disappointing for a majority of wholesalers and traders, but previous month’s decision of the federal government to enhance ratio of taxation on generators including Federal Excise Duty (FED) and new 15 percent flood tax on income have spelled adverse consequences for their daily sales.

The FED ratio on generator was enhanced by the federal government from 1 percent to 2.5 percent, while imposition of 15 percent new flood tax on income has brought the demand of all generators to a very lower level, never witnessed in the wholesale markets during the last many years.

Poor sales of all kinds of generators available in the market were reported by most of the traders ranging from one kilovolt (kv) of Chinese origin Lifan to two kv of Meiji company.

Majority of traders have blamed the situation to dwindling buying powers of an overwhelming segment of the city’s population as never before sales of generators have been so gloomy amid ongoing summer season in Karachi.

Pakistan Machinery Merchant Group President Khurrum Saigal replying to a question of the scribe termed the demand of generators as very poor as compared to previous years, claiming it has plummeted to more than 50 percent during the current season indicating shrinking purchasing powers of customers.

He said during the previous years, people of the city perturbed by the prolonged spell of load-shedding flocked to wholesale and retail markets for buying machineries of their choice but so far their lacklustre response has raised concern among importers and wholesalers alike as most of their imported machineries are lying in their godowns and showrooms.

According to him on an average, rates of different varieties of generators have gone up from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 during the last 20 days, pushing them beyond the buying capacity of an overwhelming segment of the population.

Pakistan Machinery Merchant Group (PMMG) Senior Vice President Shoaib Jehangir also blamed the situation on the decreasing buying capacity of general customers saying rising inflation has forced the population to restrict their requirements and divert their earnings to other pressing needs.

 

[Omar1984]

Chinese firm to help Pakistan overcome power shortage; keen to invest $ 15bn in energy sector​

ISLAMABAD, Apr 17 (APP): China Three Gorges Corporation will help Pakistan in controlling power shortage as it wants to invest about $15 billion for this sector. Chairman of Three Gorges Corporation, the Chinese State owned corporation dealing with construction of power infrastructure, Cao Guagjing, who recently visited Pakistan with a delegation said this in an interview to a private news channel.

A 10-member delegation led by him, met here with President, Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and federal ministers and discussed in detail the issues relating to power generation projects, he said.

To a question he said, “We are ready for huge cooperation in power generation in Pakistan.”

He said, an agreement for 720MW hydropower project has been signed while the company is also ready to sign agreement on Kohala hydropower project. Another contract of wind energy near Karachi has also been signed, he added.

To a question he informed that it was fruitful visit. The Pak authorities were briefed during the visit about his company’s desire to work closely with Pakistan for the development of energy sector, he said adding, the company showed the interest for investing about $15 billion for the immediate development. The meetings during the visit were result-oriented, he said.

To another question the chairman said that they have all the required strong means and capability to develop power projects in Pakistan.

He said, the company has also decided to work in wind energy sector especially in coastal areas. People in Pakistan will also be imparted special training besides exchange of delegations between both the countries to boost the energy sector, he added.

To a question about hydropower generation in Pakistan he said, the company has made a plan for projects having 10,000 MW capacity worth $15 billion which would be completed within next 10 years.

The financial assistance for the projects would be arranged from china, Chinese and international commercial banks while through bonds, finances would also be arranged for the purpose, he said.

He informed that the Pak authorities warmly welcomed the Chinese offer and said that this was the beginning of new era of cooperation between the two countries.

The projects that were discussed with the authorities were Kohala Hydro Power, Bhunji, Bhasha, Dashu in Upper Indus Valley, and other Hydro Power Projects in lower Indus Valley, he said.

To a question he said that the authorities expressed the resolve to have Chinese cooperation in the development of power sector and in this regard, he said that their offer has been discussed at length.

The Chairman said, work on the projects indicated by the Chinese Corporation would be started after the fulfillment of the procedural matters.

To a question he said, CTGC will construct a power plant of 120 MegaWatt (MW) at Sukkur Barrage besides investment in Thar Coal and wind and solar energy projects.

A Letter of Intent (LoI) in this regard has been formally signed.

CTGC is largest company of China and Three Gorges Barrage is also largest hydroelectric power station in the world which generates 18,200 MW electricity while the work is also underway to enhance its capacity up to 22,500 MW.

To a question he said, Pakistan is enriched with coal reserves which can be utilized for generating thousands mega watt electricity.

To another question he said CTGC has also offered financial and technical assistance to develop hydel and wind power and upgrade the existing transmission system and provide integrated solution to the perennial problems of power shortages and disruptions in Pakistan.

China Three Gorges Corporation also offered to develop multi-purpose hydro electric projects through direct financing model based on public private partnership and BOT.

Chairman CTGC, Cao Guanging said that China is keen to invest in energy sector of Pakistan and the new projects would be a step forward in this regard.

The Chairman said that they have focussed on coal, hydel, wind, solar and nuclear energy and Chinese experts are examine these sectors.

He said, Pakistan and CTGC have 30-year old association and the company had already worked in Pakistan.

Cao Guangjing, who was also conferred during the visit, the award of Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam by President Asif Ali Zardari in recognition of his role and outstanding services for further strengthening the existing bilateral relations between Pakistan and China said, that his company is ready to help Pakistan overcome its power shortages within shortest possible time.

Replying to a question he said, windpower projects require less period as compared to hydropower projects. A unit of windpower may be developed within one year short span of time, he said.

Karot power project can be completed within four-year, he said adding, power generation from the project may be started from 2015 while Kohala power project needs 5 to 6-year period.

He further said, the company may start work in Karot by the mid of this year. The project is currently at the tariff petition stage, he replied to a query.
Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) between WAPDA and CTGC were signed for comprehensive development of hydropower generation in Pakistan.

To a question the chairman said, under an agreement with WAPDA, several officials were sent to China where they were imparted technical training. Things moved very faster particularly during the visit, he said.

“We are working in Pakistan for 30 years. We know the people of Pakistan and understand political circumstances of the country as well so we decided to invest in Pakistan.” he replied to a question adding, “I am very much confident especially after the visit.”

 

[Omar1984]

Punjab okays Taunsa power project​

LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has given assent to the proposals regarding agreement of 120 Megawatt Taunsa hydro-power project and mapping of wind power potential in the province.

He gave this approval while presiding over a meeting of the provincial cabinet at Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Saturday.

Addressing the cabinet meeting, Shahbaz said Pakistan was facing serious crisis of energy which was leaving negative impacts on all sectors including agriculture, industry, trade and foreign investment. He said the government was working on various projects for getting energy through alternative sources and the Punjab Power Development Company had been set up in the province for this purpose. The chief minister said a plan of 120 Megawatts hydro power project at Taunsa had been prepared and a formal approval to this project was given in the cabinet meeting.

He said during his visit to China, an agreement would be signed with the Chinese company China Water and Electric Corporation. Similarly, the same company would also carry out a survey of mapping of wind power potential in Punjab for generating energy through wind.

Shahbaz said the government would not have to provide any financial resources in this regard as the Chinese company would bear all expenses for carrying out this survey. The government would seek cooperation of companies of other countries in the projects of generating energy through wind, he said. The meeting also reviewed in detail the law and order situation in the province and commended the performance of Punjab police over successful operation against the outlaws involved in heinous crimes in the Kacha area of Rajanpur. The meeting expressed gratitude to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for providing equipment and logistic support during this operation. Shahbaz stressed that law enforcement agencies should make intelligence system and exchange of information more effective so that timely action could be ensured against anti-social elements.

He said an effective system would be evolved for checking of all important places including inns, hotels and guest houses and if any police official demonstrated negligence in this regard, strict action should be taken against him.

The chief minister directed that a plan should be formulated for inducting new blood in police force for meeting the shortage of jawans in police, and also sought recommendations from the inspector general of police and the home secretary in this regard.

The chief minister directed the inspector general of police that if hideouts of the outlaws involved in heinous crimes were found anywhere, they should be hit hard and the government would provide all possible resources for this purpose.

He said a vigilant eye should also be kept on those areas in future where operation against heinous crimes had been carried out.

Shahbaz directed that the process of preparations should be started from averting any possible flood in future and wherever repair of protective spurs is needed, these should be repaired and strengthened immediately.

Earlier, Chief Secretary Nasir Mehmood Khan gave briefing about energy projects in the province. Secretary Irrigation Rab Nawaz Khan highlighted important aspects of Taunsa Hydro-Power Project and wind power projects.

IGP Javed Iqbal while narrating the details of operation against the criminals said 196 culprits involved in heinous crimes had been arrested in Rajanpur.
He told that approval had been given to 41 Riverine Posts in the province and the construction work of these posts was going on.

He further informed that 49 motorboats would also be provided to these posts, which would further improve the performance of police deployed in these areas.