Collaboration: Chinese help sought on transmission lines

Minister meets Chinese official to discuss energy projects.

BEIJING: Federal Minister for Water and Power, Khawaja Muahmmad Asif met the Vice-Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China, Zhang Xiao Qiang on Wednesday and discussed various energy projects .

During the meeting, Khawaja Asif highlighted the present government’s efforts for generating affordable energy to meet the country’s rising power demand through various projects by utilising coal, as well as  hydel, solar and wind power.

Asif emphasised that in addition to enhancing power generation capacity there was a need for upgradation and expansion of transmission networks in the country. “New transmission lines are needed to evacuate energy not only from conventional electricity sources, but also from renewable wind and solar farms.”

He sought Chinese government’s assistance for the development of transmission lines that may cost $6 billion, according to estimates. Asif thanked the Chinese government for their assistance and support in meeting the energy needs of Pakistan and for funding different projects in Pakistan.

“Power generation in Thar will be carried out with indigenous coal, while in the Gaddani Power Park comprising ten units of 660 MW each, imported coal will be used.” Asif informed that a jetty will also be built for which several Chinese and other companies have evinced interest. 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2014.

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