Iran-Gwadar power transmission line to be launched next month

[LRE]

Iran-Gwadar power transmission line to be launched next month

* Iranian envoy offers investment in power sector

By Zafar Bhutta

ISLAMABAD: The launching ceremony of the transmission line for import of 100MW power to Gwadar from Iran would be held here next month during the visit of Iranian minister for energy to Pakistan from Oct 15 to 17.

Sources said Iran has also assured to provide financing for power import projects of 100MW that would be followed by an additional 1,000MW power import project for which Pakistan and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and Iranian experts are working on the feasibility study of the 1,000MW power import project and Pakistan has provided Rs 53 million for this purpose.

The decision of holding a launching ceremony came in a meeting of Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Masha’ Allah Shakeri on Friday who called on the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf at his office and discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations to further boost economic ties between the two countries.

It was also agreed in the meeting to expedite the process of Pakistan importing 1,000MW power from Iran on a fast-track basis for its early completion. Iran would also provide financing for materializing the projects of power imports from Iran.

The ambassador offered to invest in power projects and said Iranian companies were also interested for upgrading transmission lines system projects in Pakistan on low-cost basis. He also offered sizeable investment in hydropower plants.

The ambassador stated that the Iranian government would provide all type of assistance to the new political government in every sector.

The minister while welcoming the Iranian envoy said that Pakistan had close brotherly relations with Iran. Pakistan values the help and support of Iran and is desirous of expanding bilateral relations in all sectors.

The minister said that currently Pakistan is facing many internal and external challenges and energy deficit is also one of them. The government is taking necessary measures to generate electricity to bridge the demand and supply gap through fast track projects. The government has planned to bring 35,000MW by the year 2016 and steps were being taken in this regard. He informed that the government now attaches high priority to exploit the indigenous resources like coal, hydel and wind for power generation. He said the first wind mill in the private sector will be operative next month.

Ashraf lauded the offer of the Iranian side and assured full support and assistance to facilitate Iranians to invest in water and power sectors in Pakistan.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...008_pg5_17