Energy Products in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The state-owned China Three Gorges Project Corporation (CTGPC) is exploring the possibility for investment and cooperation for setting up hydroelectric and renewable energy sector projects for adding 8,920MW of electricity to the national grid.

CTGPC chairman Cao Guanging, who is heading a 10-member delegation, told Minister for Water and Power and Privatisation Syed Naveed Qamar here on Tuesday that his corporation was looking for investment in 1100MW Kohala, 7100MW Bunji and 720MW Karot and other hydropower projects in Pakistan.

He also expressed the desire to manufacture wind power equipment in Pakistan. The corporation will soon start work on 50MW wind power project in Jhampir, Sindh, and complete it next year. It also plans to install 2000MW wind power and 300MW solar power projects in Punjab and Sindh. Its sister organisation, the China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE), is already working on wind and solar energy projects in Pakistan.

Mr Qamar thanked the Chinese government and CTGPC for their interest in developing Pakistan’s energy sector and invited China to invest in Bhasha dam and Thar Coal power projects.

Mr Qamar said Chinese investment in hydropower sector would help Pakistan generate cheap electricity for future requirements. He said the government would extend full cooperation to China in water, power, coal and renewable energy projects.

Mr Qamar said the government was taking all possible measures to complete formalities of hydropower projects. He asked Wapda and CTGPC to work together for the purpose.