The Power Division secretary stressed the need for proper planning and making timely transmission and evacuation arrangements for upcoming projects.
PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: All new power generation projects should be based on domestic resources, emphasised Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan while chairing 120th board meeting of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) on Wednesday.
The minister underscored that Pakistan had plenty of indigenous and natural resources which could be utilised for generating adequate and affordable electricity. Such resources could also help achieve sustainability in the system, he said.
“We need to arrange investments in the transmission system and in power generation by prioritising indigenous resources,” the minister said. “In order to provide affordable electricity, it is necessary to further exploit the local resources.”
PPIB to invite bids for hydroelectric power projects
He stressed that all similar projects, which were under process, should be facilitated and expedited. In that regard, the board approved an extension in the Letter of Interest of the 350-megawatt Athmuqam hydroelectric power project located on Neelum River in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
While appreciating PPIB’s efforts for the development of hydroelectric power projects, the board advised that new projects should be initiated after doing a thorough examination of the demand-supply situation so that no possibility remained of a deficit or excess generation capacity in the country.
The Power Division secretary stressed the need for proper planning and making timely transmission and evacuation arrangements for upcoming projects.
Work progress on coal-fired power plant satisfies PPIB
Acknowledging the role being played by the PPIB in laying Pakistan’s first private sector high voltage and direct current Matiari-Lahore transmission line of 660 kilovolts, the minister told the NTDC to remain proactive in land acquisition for setting up convertor stations and other ancillary facilities essential for the project.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 15th, 2018.
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