Punjab government has sought Federal government's help / approval for resolution of outstanding issues of its 5,000 MW electricity projects. These issues related to power plants including RLNG based power plants of 2300 MW, small hydropower projects having potential of 80 MW, solar power projects having potential of 1400 MW, waste to Energy pilot projects having initial potential of 200 MW in major cities of Punjab and wind energy projects having potential of 1000 MW in Rojhan corridor.
According to officials, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Punjab met with Federal Secretary Ministry of Energy power division in Islamabad and sought help of the federal government for resolution of energy related issues. These included Punjab Thermal Power Limited (PTPL)'s ECC approval on Gas supply Agreement (GSA) and Reimbursement Agreement (RA) with SNGPL, signing of power purchase agreement (PPA) at the earliest with CPPA, Quid I Azam Thermal Power Limited (QATPL)'s outstanding payment of Rs. 20 billion from Central power purchase Agency (CPPA) to support Gas bill payments and debit service repayments.
SNGPL representative assured to conclude the PTPL GSA agreement at the earliest, and briefed about the gas pipe line construction completion on fast track basis. Secretary Energy (Power) assured that a policy decision has already been taken and after its consent from the competent authority, approval for all renewable energy projects of small Hydel power plants, solar power plants, wind power plants and waste to Energy power plants throughout the country will be processed.
Accordingly based on policy decision all approvals / Agreements with PPIB, CPPA, NTDC, DESCOs shall proceed. The participants of the meeting agreed at to hold such meetings regularly for a broad interaction and consensus for policy making as well as for speedy resolution of the issues. Minister Energy Punjab has appreciated the efforts of officials of his ministry and emphasized on regular and structured meetings with Federal entities for speedy and amicable resolution of the issues.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019

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