**12 thermal power projects to produce 2,346MWs of electricity **
Saturday, January 12, 2008
ISLAMABAD: Twelve thermal power projects are being finalised to add 2,346 Megawatt (MW) of electricity to the national grid in the next three years.
According to spokesmen of the Ministry of Water and Power and WAPDA, a meeting is planned for tomorrow to resolve issues regarding Thar coal utilisation for power generation. The spokesmen said deposits in Thar hold 175 billion tonnes of coal but require special technology for exploitation because of high contents of sulphur, and the provision of necessary infrastructure for the purpose.
On hydroelectric power, they said that apart from work on the Bhasha dam feasibility, a contract had also been awarded for a 1,000 MW Neelum-Jhelum project, which would be completed in the next five years. Work is also in progress on the 2,200 MW Munda dam feasibility, they added.
The spokesmen said a comprehensive five-year programme for the improvement of the distribution system had been launched to reduce line losses. The Asian Development Bank is providing $600 million and the World Bank $300 million to upgrade grid stations, distribution transformers and improve distribution lines, they added.
They said the power shortage had been caused by a rapid increase in demand, issues of fuel supply and the prevailing law and order situation. Consumers bought about 10 million pieces of electrical appliances such as ACs, refrigerators, freezers, micro-wave ovens, washing machines, TVs and fans in just one year, they said. Moreover, 25,000 villages have been electrified putting further pressure on the supply.
The spokesmen said independent power producers were required to keep fuel for 21 days to meet any emergency, but fuel was kept for only two to three days. Notices have been issued to them in terms of power purchase agreements, they added. nni
Daily Times