Pakistan invites Russia to join CASA-1000

Both sides also agree to negotiate on the 600MW Jamshoro gas-powered plant upgrade

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has invited Russia to join the CASA-1000 project for the transmission of thermal energy from October till May, a time window when hydel generation is lower in the two Central Asian countries.

Moreover, the two countries have also agreed to enter into negotiations for the 600MW gas-fired power plant at Jamshoro to be built with investment from Russia.

The proposals were discussed in a meeting between Russian Deputy Minister for Energy Yuri Sentyurin and Water and Minister Secretary Muhammad Younus Dagha.



“Work on CASA-1000 project has already begun. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will transmit their hydel electricity through the transmission line to Pakistan during the summer months; May till October. However, from October till April, the line will be available to transmit Russian thermal energy,” said Dagha while highlighting the importance of the project.

He said Pakistan offered excellent investment opportunities in the energy sector and the Russian side could avail the idle period to transmit thermal energy. “After Russia becomes part of the CASA-1000 project, there would be more regional connectivity and greater cooperation,” he remarked.

Talking about the Russian investment in the 600MW gas-fired power plant at Jamshoro, the Water and Power secretary said the project’s feasibility had already been conducted and PC1 was ready. “Since the power evacuation system already exists on site, it is one of the most viable projects where the Russian investment could be made. The project will replace the existing low-efficiency capacity with higher efficiency turbine.”

“Pakistan is looking forward to take the cooperation between the two countries to new heights,” he said.

Russian Deputy Minister for Energy Yuri Sentyurin thanked the Pakistani side for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation. “The Russian companies have a rich and comprehensive experience in the energy sector and many potential Russian companies are eager to invest in Pakistan,” he said.



Moreover, Sentyurin welcomed the Pakistani proposal to join the CASA-1000 project and expressed willingness to be a part of it. “The Russian side is eager to pursue Jamshoro up gradation project and is exploring ways to finance it,” he said.

“The cooperation between the two countries is deepening with each passing day and given the conducive environment, the Russian investors are very keen to explore the energy sector in Pakistan,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2016.

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