Ray of hope: Chinese bring solar power in Balochistan

Installing 10,000 solar pumps in the province.

FAISALABAD: Megawatt New Energy Technology, a Chinese company, is in the process of installing 10,000 solar pumps ranging from 4 to 7.5 kilowatts in Balochistan, said the company’s director of sales, Xianqing Luo.

“China is playing an important role in overcoming the energy crisis plaguing Pakistan by extending technical support for the production of sufficient and cheap electricity through affordable financing,” he said while speaking at a meeting at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) along with a technical team on Wednesday.

“We have also scheduled a meeting with the chief minister of Punjab to discuss similar options like that for Balochistan.”

He said Megawatt was offering solar irrigation, on-grid and off-grid systems in addition to water purification plants.

Regarding solar power, he said the technology was cheap and the existing system could also be converted to that renewable source. The company has already installed solar power systems in 40 countries including Turkey, Botswana, Chile and Ghana.

FCCI President Rizwan Ashraf welcomed the Chinese delegation and said the recent visit of Chinese president had clearly indicated that new economic centres were emerging from this region.

“The investment of $45 billion has also changed the image of Pakistan as one of the most lucrative investment destinations and now the international community is also considering investing here,” he said.

Introducing Faisalabad, he said it was the textile hub, contributing 60% of total textile exports of the country. However, during the last few years, it was facing acute shortage of energy and most of the industries were working on half of their installed capacity, he added.

“Chinese investment will not only resolve energy crisis but also increase the pace of development in this region,” he said.

Mega Engineering Group Director Amjad Saleem said the Chinese company would not only provide technology but also extend a loan on easy instalments through the Bank of China. This will include 70% financing and 30% investment on 9% markup.

A presentation was also given on different projects, technological breakthrough and financial offers of the Chinese company.

Khawaja Cotton chief Muhammad Amjad Khawaja said the solar power system was extremely beneficial as he had personal experience of using the technology, but added the high initial cost was the main issue right now for the industrialists.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2015.

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