Pakistan and US sign 150 MW wind power project

APP reported that Pakistan and United States signed a wind power generation project which will be completed in 2 years at a cost of USD 375 million to produce 150 MW of electricity.

The agreement was signed by US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Mr Richard Holbrooke and Secretary Water and Power Mr Javed Iqbal on behalf of their respective governments here at a local hotel.

Mr Cameron Munter US ambassador to Pakistan, Mr Andrew Sisson director of USAID, Mr Arif Aluddin chairman Alternative Energy Development Board and Mr Muhammad Iqbal country representative of American Power Company were also present on this occasion.

The project will be in 3 sites in the Gharo Corridor, in Thatta, Sindh near Karachi to utilize the winds of the area for producing 150 MW of power. The main objective of the projects, first of its kind in public and private partnership between the two countries was to improve the capacity of Pakistan government’s capacity to address the country’s most critical energy needs. It will also reduce the dependence on imported fuel and oil and will save Pakistan USD 45 million per year in fuel cost. The project using new technology of ‘clear’ power will serve about 600,000 homes in the area.

Mr Richard Holbrooke said that it is a best example of private and public partnership between the 2 countries as Ministry of Water and Power will represent Pakistan while USAID and US Overseas Private Investment Corporation and American Power Company Corporation, a private company are joining hands to address the important problem being faced by the people of Pakistan. He said that this project is following the instructions from US Secretary of State Ms Hillary Clinton that US should support Pakistan to resolve its energy crisis.

Mr Holbrooke said that it will be useful and environmental friendly project and save millions of dollars of Pakistan government that has to be spent on the import of oil for producing electricity. The project is also under renewable energy sector therefore it will also encourage other private investors to invest in this useful and important sector. He said referring to the successful example of Germany in producing wind energy that the completion of this project would also encourage international community to come to Pakistan to invest in this sector to resolve the energy crisis.

Mr Cameron Munter said that the project will address the key issue of shortage of electricity in Pakistan. It will have impact on the future relations of two countries and provide a solid base to further enhance and promote these ties. He said that we address very basic need of the people of Pakistan through this project with best tool. US would spare no effort to cooperate with Pakistan with such other projects in energy sector.

Mr Javed Iqbal appreciating the contribution by the American government and personal interest taken by Mr Richard Holbrooke said that the project would further strengthen the bilateral relations. He said that Pakistan has great potential in the field of alternative energy sector and this project would lay foundation for future cooperation between the two countries in this field.