Govt to add 1,050MW new cheap energy by 2013

[Salman]

Govt to add 1,050MW new cheap energy by 2013

ISLAMABAD: The government has geared up its efforts to add about 1000 MW clean and cheaper power in the national grid within a year.

The government is utilising all resources to bridge the gap between demand and supply and various measures are being taken in this regard.

As government has decided to change its energy fuel mix and future focus would be on hydel, wind, coal and solar power generation in order to generate cheaper electricity.

Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar has directed Wapda, AEDB and PPIB to expedite their efforts and ensure timely completion of their ongoing projects. They have also been asked to complete the feasibility studies for future projects and bring it for investment.

As per details, about 300 MW small hydel power projects being processed by Wapda would start generation by December 2012.

One project of 18 MW and other of 84 MW will come in the system in early 2013 being processed by Wapda and PPIB, respectively.

Projects of 150 MW (wind) will generate electricity by December 2012 and 400 MW wind power will be added in the system by middle of 2013.

Efforts are being made to generate more than 900 MW through wind power as early as possible. A policy for investors is being developed for investment in the solar generation.

It is planned upfront tariff in this regard would be announced. Naveed Qamar has given directives to the AEDB and asked to finalise the proposals shortly for approval.

The government has also taken measures for coal power generation and investors are being welcomed to invest in this sector. Old public sector plants are being rehabilitated and upgraded to improve their existing generation