According to a document, induction of electricity in the national gird will be possible five to six years after the companies start work. The required investment for production of 1MW was calculated at $1 million. PHOTO: FILE
The Punjab government has identified 70 potential sites on different canals to produce 600-700 megawatts (MW) of electricity with the help of turbine installations by the private sector The Express Tribune has learnt. The head fall on these sites was calculated to be between 9-15 inches - a basic pre-requisite that must be met before installing turbine motors for electricity generation, an official said.
The Punjab government had awarded letter of interest to 32 private companies to start work on feasibility studies and arrange finances for production of electricity on 33 sites in first phase, the official said.
According to a document, induction of electricity in the national gird will be possible five to six years after the companies start work. The required investment for production of 1MW was calculated at $1 million.
Punjab has an excellent network of canals, with as many as 70 sites with the potential to produce electricity with the help of turbines, said official. Out these sites, the Punjab government has selected 42 and awarded Letters of Intent to 32 private investors to invest in this sector, the official added.
In addition to private investors, the Punjab government and Sino-Tech of China had signed a memorandum of understanding to produce 20MW with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank under Energy, Procurement and Construction basis.
According to details, hydel stations will be constructed at Head Marala Upper Chenab Canal to produce 7.2MW. A similar station will be constructed at Pak Pattan Canal to produce 3.2MW. A third project will be at Degout Fall to produce 5MW and while another one at Chianwalai will produce 5MW.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th 2013.
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It took six decades to relize the excellence of canal system ?
What does it mean in terms of per unit cost for consumers - any relief expected in cost and uninterrupted power supply ?
The governement should incentivize Alternative Power investements for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers as one of the steps to manage the energy crisis and ecnourage smart cost efficient practices !
CM look very serious to get rid of loadshedding. Our good wishes are with him
Good job ET,
If I recollect correctly then there is an old PTV documentary in Prime Minister Junejo's time in which it detailed the networks of canals in Punjab and a WAPDA guy talks about generation of power through small dams & canals. I thinks it is some thing like 5th five year plan or what.
Any how, it is good that at last someone paid attention to it. Power generation through Small dams & canals is very feasible approach both economically & environmentally, provided there are ample number of canals and sites available, which fortunately Pakistan particularly Punjab posses.
regards,