Power sector: Govt opens bids for Kotli hydropower project

Three companies submitted proposals for 100MW project.

ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday opened bids submitted by the private sector in response to proposals invited for developing, financing and constructing 100-megawatt Kotli hydropower project.

Three hydropower projects are already being constructed by the private sector and this is the fourth project which is being awarded.

The proposals for the project were invited from prospective investors in December 2013. Initially, five companies from China, Thailand and Pakistan showed interest, but three submitted firm proposals.

They were CWE Investment Corporation, China, Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, Thailand and Sachal Engineering Works, Pakistan.

Speaking at the bid opening ceremony, Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the government was focussing on developing hydropower resources to achieve a long-term vision and overcome challenges.

“The opening of proposals for Kotli hydropower project is an example of our interest in improving hydroelectric-thermal mix in the country.” The project would not only provide clean, affordable and reliable electricity, but would also create employment opportunities in the area, he said.

With the support and cooperation of investors and commitment of the government, he hoped, the country would overcome power crisis in the shortest possible time.

The proposals were opened by a committee constituted by the board in the presence of representatives of bidding companies and the media. The committee, with the task to oversee the project development process, is headed by the managing director of Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and its members are from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government, AJK Council, Ministry of Water and Power, National Transmission and Dispatch Company and PPIB.

The proposals will be evaluated in the shortest possible time based on technical and financial credentials of the applicants. Prequalified applicants will be issued Request for Proposals (RFP) documents for preparing their bids for the next stage.

This run-of-the-river project is located on Poonch River in Kotli district and is likely to attract investment of millions of dollars. AJK government will receive millions of rupees on account of water usage charges during the operation of the project.

It is estimated to cost $170 million and will be developed on build, own, operate and transfer basis. After 30 years, it will be handed over to the AJK government.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2014.

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