Ambitious energy production plan unveiled

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) is setting its sights on a remarkable energy development plan. Engineer Ahmed Jan Khan, the Caretaker Minister for Energy, Power, Mines, and Mineral Development in K-P, unveiled an ambitious vision. The plan revolves around the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) and its comprehensive business and financial strategy, with the goal of generating 2,200 megawatts of affordable electricity within the next eight years.

This substantial energy output is intended to fuel the industrial sector, facilitated by a wheeling model and K-P’s dedicated transmission company. Minister Ahmed Jan Khan stressed that this initiative carries the potential to not only stabilize the provincial economy but also spur job creation.

Highlighting the abundance of natural water resources in the province, he underscored the top priority of harnessing these resources to produce cost-effective electricity at the provincial level. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to practical steps for province-wide development and efficient public service delivery.

Expressing his views during an introductory meeting at the PEDO office in Peshawar, the Caretaker Minister underscored PEDO’s rapid strides in developing the energy sector, viewing it as a pivotal stride towards ensuring future economic stability and resilience against the prevailing energy crisis.

During the briefing, Engineer Naeem Khan, the CEO of PEDO, conveyed the organization’s unwavering commitment to the production of low-cost hydropower electricity in K-P. He noted that PEDO had already generated over Rs47 billion in revenue from electricity production, with ongoing efforts to further bolster this income for the province’s and the country’s economic stability.

Engineer Naeem Khan highlighted the completion of seven major hydropower projects, collectively boasting a capacity of 162 MW and generating substantial annual revenue. Additionally, five projects, including the 84 MW Gorkan Matiltan Hydropower Project, 69 MW Lavi, 40 MW Koto, 11 MW Crora, and 10 MW Jabori Hydropower Project, are nearing completion and will add a combined 216 MW to the electricity grid.

He also mentioned progress on projects like the 13.5 MW Chaparichar Khel and 6.9 MW Mujahdin Hydropower Projects. Furthermore, the largest 300 MW Balakot Hydropower Project is underway with the support of the Asian Development Bank, alongside the 88 MW Gabral Kalam and 157 MW Madin Hydropower projects, which are receiving financial backing from the World Bank.

Engineer Naeem Khan detailed PEDO’s strides in solarizing government buildings, schools, Basic Health Units (BHUs), and mosques in both settled and merged districts. The organization has also initiated 316 mini micro hydropower projects, totaling 29 megawatts, in areas lacking electricity, with plans to establish an additional 291 projects under phase two. Furthermore, PEDO is collaborating with the private sector on various 12-megawatt projects, poised to contribute positively to the province’s economic development.

Minister Ahmed Jan Khan expressed satisfaction with PEDO’s performance and pledged to liaise with relevant authorities to resolve issues concerning federal institutions involved in energy projects. He urged PEDO’s officers to channel their energy towards the timely completion of ongoing energy initiatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14^th, 2023.