Power generating capacity to be enhanced

In line with growth strategy, 1,104MW will be added to national grid in fiscal 2013.

ISLAMABAD: The government plans to increase the installed power generating capacity from the existing 23,718 megawatts (MW) to 24,822MW during the ongoing financial year 2012-13, an official of the ministry of water and power said.

The official said that the installed power generating capacity will be enhanced through addition of 1,104MW in the Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) system in line with the Framework of Growth Strategy (FEG), the implementation of power sector reforms and restructuring plans will continue.

Allai Khwar hydropower power project of 121MW is planned to begin generation from October this year whereas, eight units of Jinnah of composite generating capacity of 96 MW will be completed by December 2012.

Moreover, a 1,200MW imported coal based integrated jetty and power plant project is being processed by the Private Power and Infrastructure Board.

The official further said that Central Power Generation Company GENCO-II thermal power station, Guddu has planned for rehabilitation of units 1 to 13 depending on the availability of funds which will add 405MW to the national grid and is installing an additional 747MW plant with the help of China which will be completed after June  2013.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2012.