Wind mills can generate 50,000MW

Around 50,000 megawatts of electricity can be generated at a cost of 5 cents per kwh from the 1,046km coastline

ISLAMABAD: Around 50,000 megawatts of electricity can be generated at a cost of five cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) from the 1,046km coastline from Karachi to Hyderabad having optimal wind for power generation.

This was discussed in a meeting of the Engineering Development Board (EDB) here on Wednesday, chaired by Aitazaz A Niazi, CEO of the EDB.

The cost can be reduced to three cents with local manufacturing of wind mills, the participants of the meeting said. Realising the need for renewable energy in view of acute energy crisis in the country, the EDB raised the issue of local manufacturing of machinery for wind mills with existing and potential manufacturers.

The meeting was aimed at assessing the capabilities and assistance required for local manufacturing of machinery and parts for wind mills.

The participants saw great opportunity for the engineering industry to manufacture wind mills on account of its capabilities as well as by making joint ventures and consortia. Areas of assistance in technical, business, tariff and policy segments required by the companies were also highlighted.

A decision was taken to organise an international workshop on exploring the local potential of wind turbine manufacturing and seeking sponsors and partners.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2010.