76 percent of the country’s total hydel potential (or 45,861-megawatt) of 59,796-mega

[Toramana]

Nearly 76 percent of the country’s total hydel potential (or 45,861-megawatt) of 59,796-megawatt can be harnessed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, a research paper prepared by Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) said on Sunday.

According to statistics obtained from the Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Punjab had a generation potential of 7,291MW, whereas Azad Kashmir had a reported potential of 6,450MW.

Although hydropower is the cheapest source of electricity generation, but about 89 per cent of this potential still remains untapped.

At present, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is generating just 3,849MW of electricity from its operational hydropower projects, while projects under implementation have the potential to generate 9,482MW.

The provincial government is carrying out work on as many as 28 such projects. Feasibility studies of 77 projects have been completed while raw sites with a potential for generating 8,930MW of electricity have also been identified in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, 133 projects are operational while work on projects with a capacity to generate 11,876MW is under way. Of these, 40 are in progress under the auspices of the government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Similarly, feasibility studies of solicited sites with a potential of 534MW have been completed and raw sites with a potential of 8,542MW have also been identified.

Punjab is generating 1,699MW electricity from its operational projects and work on others with 720MW capacity is under way. Projects with a potential of 308MW are under implementation at the provincial level while 720MW projects at federal level. Feasibility studies of hydropower projects of 3,606MW potential have been completed while 238MW raw sites have also been identified.

In Azad Kashmir 1,039MW electricity is generated from operational projects while work on projects with a potential of generating 1,231MW electricity are under way in the public sector. Projects with a potential of 92MW and 3,172MW capacity are being implemented at provincial and federal level, respectively.

Sindh conducted feasibility study of solicited sites with a capacity of 67MW, besides identifying raw sites of 126MW potential while Balochistan has completed feasibility study of only one project with 1MW potential.

The total installed capacity of hydropower projects in Pakistan is reported to be 6,720MW in 2010.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had the most installed capacity 3,849 MW (57 per cent of the country’s total installed capacity) followed by Punjab with 1,699MW installed capacity (25 per cent). Azad Kashmir had an installed capacity of 1,039MW (15 per cent).

The development of hydropower resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is vested with Sarhad Hydropower Development Organisation (Shydo), established in 1986 to identify and explore the hydel potential of the province.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, of the total installed capacity of 3,849 MW, the bulk of capacity 3,762 MW was operated by Wapda, one 86MW project is managed by Shydo and 1MW was managed by an Independent Power Producer (IPP).

The potential of hydro development had two major categories; hydro power generation with water reservoirs and without water reservoirs. Wapda is the designated body to undertake projects of hydropower generation where water reservoirs are integral part of projects. Shydo undertakes projects for development where water reservoirs are not required.

The government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has made concerted efforts to speed up work on development of hydropower resources, which is evident from Shydo’s short-, medium- and long-term plans.

In line with priorities of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, Shydo has developed a fast-track hydro development plan for 24 projects with a total capacity of 2,156MW with an investment outlay of Rs350 billion. This plan includes three projects for 56MW as short-term, eight medium-term projects with a capacity of 600MW as and 13 long-term projects with generation capacity of 1,500MW.

76% Pakistan’s Hydel Potential Lying in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan Provinces

[Toramana]

KPK Excels in Hydro Power Sector
OPPORTUNITIES | ADMIN | JANUARY 8, 2013 2:28 PM

A total of 24 projects with a total generation capacity of 2004 MW will be completed. The present cost of the projects is estimated at Rs 334.497 billion and the projects have been included in the annual development programme (ADP) for financial year 2012-13

The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is far ahead than three other provinces in making remarkable achievements in hydropower sector to overcome the prevailing energy crisis, as per the report on the performance of the Energy and Power Department of the province.

For the better utilization of resources of hydropower, oil and gas sectors, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in October 2008 established a separate Energy and Power Department. The mandate of the department is looking after of hydel, oil and gas sectors and renewable energy and working along with the Ministry Water & Power and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which had more than 70 percent hydro potential after getting control under 18th Constitutional Amendment, initiated vigorous efforts to open new revenue sources from its own resources. Under the amendment the levy of federal excise duty (FED) will further increase the revenue.

The provinces can now raise foreign loans to develop its precious resources for its economic growth. In addition to hydro resources, the new resource of hydrocarbon is under exploration, and production and equal control on such resources were necessary.

Taking advantage of the rights guaranteed under 18th Constitutional Amendment, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took lead in not only making comprehensive plans for the utilization of its hydropower potential to generate cheap electricity, but also practically launched it.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become first province in the country, which has developed a clear vision and designed 10-Year Hydel Development Action Plan 2010-21 for the utilization of its untapped hydropower potential. Under the plan a total of 24 projects with a total generation capacity of 2004 MW will be completed. The present cost of the projects is estimated at Rs 334.497 billion and the projects have been included in the annual development programme (ADP) for financial year 2012-13. Work on all projects has been started and are in different phases of planning.

The Action Plan is comprised of short, medium and long-term planning. Under the short-term three projects with capacity of 56.20 MW at the cost of Rs 12.433 billion will be completed in period of three years. The three-projects to be initiated under short-term plan are expected to generate revenue of Rs 2 billion per annum for the province. Similarly, 8 projects with capacity of 625.80 MW will be completed in five years at the cost of Rs 99.968 billion while under long-term 13 projects of 1322 MW will be completed in a period of 10 years at the cost of Rs 222.096 billion. The implementation of the Action Plan besides, help arresting the prevailing energy crisis will not only provide cheap electricity, but will generate huge revenue of Rs.74 billion per annum for the province on permanent basis.

The projects identified under the plan are Daral Khwar HPP (36MW), Ranolia HPP (17MW), Machai (2.6MW) are situated in districts Swat, Kohistan and Mardan respectively. The present provincial government ha already launched work on 36 MW Daral Khwar HPP, 84MW Matilitan Swat and 69MW Lawi Chitral.

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also decided to chip in 24 percent of equity in two projects to be built-in on public-private-partnership (PPP) basis (Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Wapda and private sector i.e. Lower Palas, Kohistan 665MW and Lower Spat Gah Kohistan 496MW.

KPK Excels in Hydro Power Sector

[Toramana]

Government praised for promoting green energy
The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Friday lauded Government, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Fauji Fertiliser Company Energy Limited (FFCEL) for promoting green energy in Pakistan. All the stakeholders have played a very positive role in introduction of green energy in the country facing acute power shortages which has sent very positive signals, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

President Zardari’s resolve to fully exploit Gharo-Keti Bundar wind corridor to produce 50,000MW electricity is very positive at a time when shortage of electricity has become a major challenge for the economy, he said. Completion of Pakistan’s first ADB funded 50MW windmill project in Jhimpir is a great step in the right direction which will send positive signals across and prompt other investors, he added.

Dr Murtaza Mughal said that the government’s encouraging gestures towards the implementing Company will go a long way in luring local and foreign investors which will benefit Pakistan. Around 106 Megawatt electricity would be included in the national grid through NTDC when the wind energy projects of FFCEL and Zorlu Energy would become operational which is a small additional having a great symbolic value, he opined.

He said that Pakistani and foreign companies can develop more wind energy projects if they are encouraged by government and the Alternative Energy Development Board. Dr Murtaza Mughal said that Gharo-Keti Bundar wind corridor can become hub of wind power sector attracting billions of dollars of investment to produce power from free and clean energy source. The funding by ADB will not only improve energy situation, balance energy mix and reduce oil import bill but also attract heavy investments to reduce poverty by creating thousands of jobs.

He demanded of the government to pay special attention to the sustainable energy resources through favourable policy and regulatory environment which will push the growth of renewable green energy in Pakistan. Grid access is not available to majority of people in Pakistan due to proximity who can be benefited from renewable green energy sources

Government praised for promoting green energy « PAKISTAN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOCIETY

[Toramana]

‘45 wind projects of 3,200MW capacity nearing completion’

By Ijaz Kakakhel

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power Ch Ahmed Mukhtar has said that 45 Wind Power Projects of around 3,200 megawatts (MW) capacity are under completion process, out of which some are ready for commercial operation.

Among them wind projects worth 106 MW are ready for commercial operation, while another 150 MW projects are under construction. The next year will see at least 10 more projects – an investment of over $2 billion, the minister said while addressing as chief guest in the launching ceremony of Commemorative Postal Stamp on inauguration of Pakistan’s first 50 MW wind energy project by Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) on Wednesday.

He said that commencement of commercial operation of FFC Wind Farm Project is the beginning of exploiting the wind potential of renowned Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind Corridor- an area that alone offers power generation potential of 50,000 MW. I feel exalted that many more wind power projects are in pipeline and would commence their commercial operations one after another in the coming months.

Release of a Commemorative Stamp, indeed shows their commitment in encouraging all those who serve Pakistan with courage and dedication.

All we know that Pakistan is an energy deficient country. With continued population growth and growing economy our energy demand remained on increase. The present government added more generation to the national grid by completing thermal and small hydro plants. There is a gap between demand and supply. We have made a comprehensive plan to change our energy mix to generate cheaper electricity by using indigenous resources like wind, coal and hydel.

Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) CEO Arif Allauddin in his welcome address said that the country would see more new projects in the alternative energy sector. Without taking away any credit from FFC, I wish to quickly recognise a number of other organisations and individuals without which this historic achievement would not have been possible – even for the competent team of FFC.

Allauddin said just like 8,000 parts of every wind turbine that must work in synchronisation, a number of agencies, organisations and individuals worked with dedication and unity of purpose to achieve this feat in such a short time.

This is not all. Recent data collected by AEDB has revealed that our wind corridors are not only rich in the wind resource, but the solar radiations here are of the highest quality – making this as one of the rare corridors in the world, where both wind and solar projects are viable.

FFC Managing Director Lt General (r) Khalid Naeem Lodhi also spoke on the occasion and said that the company is planning to invest more capital in the power sector and other wind project with the collaboration of China is under construction and soon would be completed.

Earlier, the minister launched the Commemorative Postal Stamp on the inauguration of the first wind power project.

Pakistan is blessed with enormous wind energy potential. Studies indicate that theoretical potential of wind energy in Pakistan is around 346,000 MW, out of which Gharo~Keti Bandar wind corridor solely has a potential of around 50,000 MW. Utilization of this enormous potential of clean, economical and inexhaustible source of energy can play a vital role in fulfilling the future energy demands of the country.

AEDB is facilitating the private sector in developing wind power projects in the country. The 49.5 MW wind power project developed by FFC Energy Ltd is the first among many others, which are at various stages of development. Four other wind power projects being developed by ZorluEnerji (56.4 MW), Three Gorges Pakistan (49.5 MW) and Foundation Wind Energy I and 11 (50 MW each) are under construction. ZorluEnerji has already completed the installation of wind turbines for their project and the project is expected to become operational by end of this month. In addition to this, wind power project of 400-600 MW capacity are expected to achieve Financial Close by end of 2013.

The alternative and renewable energy based project, especially wind energy projects will play an important role in the future energy mix of Pakistan. With rising concerns over the availability of natural gas and escalating prices of imported fuels, very less investment in conventional power projects is anticipated in the future. Moreover, the coal and hydel power projects also have a long gestation period.

Wind energy projects are the only viable option for the near future with the benefit of indigenous resource and cheap electricity as compared to conventional fossil fuel projects. Wind power projects are also expected to create significant number of job opportunities and possibilities of local manufacturing.

Being indigenous, wind energy renders an great opportunity for the country to minimise dependency of energy sector on imported fuels, ensuring energy security, self-reliance in meeting increased energy demands, improving overall economics by reducing import bill opening up new venues for business development and improving environmental conditions. The wind energy, while serving as an alternative to the volatile and expensive imported fuels, can also help in reducing the circular debt.

AEDB is enacted to facilitate the private sector for establishing Renewable Energy projects based on wind, solar, micro-hydel, bio-diesel, biomass, waste to energy, fuel cells, tidal, wave energy etc. AEDB is also vested with the responsibility of formulation of national strategies, policies, plans and programmes for development of alternative and renewable.

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