LAHORE: In order to ensure energy sector development and encourage investment in power sector, Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB) has contributed to capacity addition of 1,720 MW so far into the national grid. The Punjab government has set up energy department in 2011 after the passage of 18th amendment, extending the authority of power generation to provinces. The PPDB is a statutory body that performs its functions as one-window facilitator for development of IPP-based power projects in Punjab.
According to a report of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), the Board has further issued Letter of Interests (LOIs) worth about 4,450 MW comprised of thermal, hydel, solar, wind and biomass power projects.
The Board has also focused on realization of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) energy projects. The Punjab government is committed to contribute 3,960 MW in CPEC out of which 1,320 MW of Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant has already been completed.
The Board has also allowed initiating 10 projects with an aggregate capacity of 13.55 MW with in capacity range of 1-2 MW, mini hydropower projects, in 6 districts of Punjab in captive mode in the first phase. Similarly, the report has stated that the Board is also facilitating development of 1,275 MW solar power projects, 250 MW wind power projects, 22 MW Biomass power Projects and 264 MW hydropower projects in the province at present.
Also, pre-qualification process for competitive bidding has been completed for development of 135 MW Taunsa Hydropower Project. Four sponsors have been pre-qualified in this regard and the RFP has been dispatched to NEPRA for approval. Similarly, the Board has also approached Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) for issuance of Tripartite Letter of Support (TLOS) regarding three hydel projects of 26.40 MW.
The report said that the PPDB is also extending facilitation to 100 MW Solar Power Projects by Zhenfa Pakistan New Energy Company (Pvt.) Limited at Rakh Chobara, Layyah. TLOS is expected to be signed with Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) soon.
In addition, PPDB is also extending facilitation to 100 MW Solar Power Project by Zorlu Solar Pakistan Limited at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, Bahawalpur. TLOS is expected to be signed with AEDB soon.
Meanwhile, the report said the Board has been taking up all the issues with Ministry of Energy (Power Division), Joint Coordination Committee of CPEC, NEPRA, NTDC, DISCOs, CPPA-G, PPIB and AEDB to remove bottlenecks and smooth completion of the projects.
The Board is making constant efforts in liaison with federal counterparts to achieve progress to carry out further development activities of thermal, hydro and Renewable Energy (RE) initiated projects, it added.
It has further said that the Board is encouraging development of small hydropower projects in captive mode for supply of generated energy for self-use of small, new and existing enterprises with the vision to enhance the development of small industries and increase rural employment. In this regard, Captive Guidelines for small hydropower projects have been developed and approved in 58th PPDB Board meeting held on 8 June, 2020.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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