Pakistan-China sign $1 billion accord: Dawn

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have signed a $1 billion accord to construct 12 dams in Pakistan in all the four provinces.

A Chinese import/export bank would furnish $700 million loans, while the remaining $300 million would be taken care of by the Planning Commission (PC).
Sources say WAPDA had prepared a feasibility report, according to which 650,000 acres of land would be brought under irrigation. An MOU has been signed in this regard between WAPDA and Axiom Bank (import/export) of China.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan-China sign $1 billion accord: Dawn

Pakistan to build 4,500 megawatt dam: UPI

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The Pakistani government, faced with chronic power shortage in the country, approved a $10.8 billion, 4,500 megawatt Diamer-Bhasha dam on the Indus River.

The dam project approved Thursday by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council will have a foreign funding component of about $3.8 billion, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Water and Power Minister Pervez Ashraf said construction on the dam in northern Pakistan, about 300 miles from Islamabad, would begin by October 2010 and should be completed in eight to 10 years.

"This is the biggest project ever approved in the history of Pakistan. We spent 33 years in discussions while the country's biggest dam's capacity was declining because of sedimentation," Ashraf said. "We have begun installing major hydropower projects to overcome the energy crisis."

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to build 4,500 megawatt dam: UPI

Water shortage greatest threat to Pakistan: book: Dawn

By Anwar Iqbal

WASHINGTON: Water shortages present the greatest future threat to the viability of Pakistan as a state and a society, warns a new book on Pakistan.

Author Michael Kugelman argues that ‘while this assertion may be overblown, one can hardly dispute its underlying premise’.

The book points out that Pakistan’s water situation is extremely precarious. Water availability has plummeted from about 5,000 cubic metres per capita in the early 1950s to less than 1,500 per capita today.

According to 2008 data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Pakistan’s total water availability per capita ranks dead last in a list of 26 Asian countries and the United States.

The book warns that Pakistan is expected to become water-scarce (the designation of a country with annual water availability below 1,000 cubic metres per capita) by 2035, though some experts say this may happen as soon as 2020, if not earlier.

Mr Kugelman, a programme associate with the Asia Programme at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, warns that several dramatic demographic shifts are intensifying Pakistan’s already-rampant water insecurity.

The book notes that at least 90 per cent of Pakistan’s dwindling water resources are allocated to irrigation and other agricultural needs. This is not entirely surprising, given that Pakistan is an overwhelmingly arid country with an agriculture-dependent economy.

Unfortunately, however, intensive irrigation regimes and poor drainage practices have caused waterlogging and soil salinity throughout Pakistan’s countryside. As a result, vast expanses of the nation’s rich agricultural lands are too wet or salty to yield any meaningful harvests.

With the lion’s share of Pakistan’s limited water supplies dedicated to agriculture, less than 10 per cent is left for drinking water and sanitation.

The book notes that some of the starkest manifestations of the crisis can be found in the parched regions of Sindh. As the country’s population has surged, large volumes of water from the Indus have been diverted upstream to Punjab to satisfy soaring demand for agriculture and for consumption in cities.

‘Consequently, downstream in Sindh, the once-mighty Indus has shrunk to a canal, and in some areas shrivelled up to little more than a puddle.’

The river’s disappearance throughout much of Sindh, the book argues, has snuffed out livelihoods throughout the river delta, particularly those of fishermen — who are now forced to gather firewood for a living and to buy their water (at high cost) from trucks.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Water shortage greatest threat to Pakistan: book: Dawn

Rental Power: Dawn

Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Parvez Ashraf has angrily rejected allegations of corruption and kickbacks involving rental power projects in Pakistan and claimed he is ‘prepared to be hanged’ if any of the allegations are proved.

Hyperbole and political mud-slinging aside, the government’s ferocious pursuit of 1,909 MW of rental power to help bridge the power deficit in the country does raise some troubling questions that have yet to be answered satisfactorily by the government.

It is an established fact that rental power will be more expensive than the power currently available, though the precise figures are disputed by all involved. So the first question to be asked is: do we necessarily need expensive rental power? Currently, partly due to the circular debt and partly due to operational reasons, a chunk of power-generation capacity available with the Independent Power Producers is lying unutilised. So rather than opting for new rental projects, could the government not focus more on solving the financial problems facing existing power-generation facilities?

Moreover, fixing operational problems at the power-generation end as well as in the transmission and distribution systems could help the system provide more electricity to end-users. Given that rental power projects are being signed on for three- to five-year periods, couldn’t the government in the same time-frame fix many of the problems at the generation, transmission and distribution levels? There is no obvious reason why it cannot.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Rental Power: Dawn

Pakistan may import 1,000 MW power from Tajikistan: Steel Guru

The News cited Mr Gul Sherali minister for energy and industry of Tajikistan as saying that Tajikistan is expediting the process for exporting 1,000 MW electricity to Pakistan under CASA 1000 project.

While meeting with Mr Raja Pervez Ashraf minister for water and power of Pakistan, Mr Sherali stressed the need for cooperation in other economic fields. The 2 discussed various matters of economic cooperation. He said that Tajikistan and Pakistan shared strong cultural, historical and spiritual ties.

Mr Sherali said that Tajikistan would continue supporting Pakistan in its war against terror, adding terrorism was a crime against humanity, peace and state and a conspiracy against Islam.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan may import 1,000 MW power from Tajikistan: Steel Guru

$14.5bn investment needed in energy sector: Dawn

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a consultative group meeting on energy efficiency and conservation here on Thursday highlighted that Pakistan needs $14.5 billion investment in the energy sector in 10 years.

Sponsored by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the conference was informed that Pakistan offers huge potential for investment in fuel and electricity sector.

The experts also said that the regulator has to improve fuel efficiency in both the public and private sectors.

Bayanjargal Byambasaikhan, ADB energy expert, highlighted the concept of energy efficiency investment programme (EEIP) of $1.20 billion for Pakistan for 8-10 years.

The programme is being financed by the ADB, French official aid and the government of Pakistan.

‘Energy efficiency is the quickest and cheapest way for Pakistan to reduce the electricity demand–supply,’ he said and added that conservation of electricity and gas through energy efficiency saves equivalent to the total generation capacity of 6,770 MW.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: $14.5bn investment needed in energy sector: Dawn

Pakistan to build four more nuclear power plants: Peninsula

Source ::: INTERNEWS

KARACHI: Four more nuclear power plants will be built by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) near the existing Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp) as part of a plan to build more energy units in the country, a top official said.

The aim is to meet the target of 8,800 megawatts from nuclear energy by 2030, said chairman of the PAEC, Dr Ansar Pervez, in an address at the Kanupp Institute of Nuclear Power Engineering (KINPOE) convocation 2009 here. Dr Ansar saw better prospects for nuclear energy plants because of what he called a “renaissance of nuclear power” in today’s world.

The other reasons for the revival of nuclear power plants, he said, were the good performance of more than 400 already operating plants all over the world, uncertain oil prices and international concerns over carbon dioxide emission. “Nuclear power plants do not emit greenhouse gases and they have showed that they are more cost-effective, safe and reliable,” he claimed.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to build four more nuclear power plants: Peninsula

Pakistan to set up atomic power plants : APP

ISLAMABAD, Apr 28 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Ansar Pervez said that Pakistan will set up power plants to produce 8800 Megawatt electricity.

While talking to a private TV channel GEO he said 585 acres land has been acquired in Karachi to build four power plants. For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to set up atomic power plants : APP

UAE gifts 320MW plant: Dawn

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2: The United Arab Emirates has offered to gift a power plant of 320 megawatts capacity to the people of Pakistan to help them in their efforts to resolve the power crisis.

Water and Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf left for Dubai on Monday to sign a memorandum of understanding with the UAE authorities and to work out a plan for dismantling, packing and transporting the plant to Pakistan.

An official statement issued here said Mr Ashraf had welcomed the UAE offer and said this would strengthen Pakistan-UAE relations.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: UAE gifts 320MW plant: Dawn

China, Pakistan Plan Solar Partnership to Face Energy Crisis: Red Green and Blue

In an effort to tackle Pakistan’s growing energy shortage, representatives of the burgeoning Chinese solar industry have offered to cooperate with the country on a high profile partnership to manufacture solar energy equipment.

The offer was made at a press conference to promote the 2010 International Solar Cities Congress, to be held in Shangong province. Speaking at the event, Huang Ming, Vice‑President of the International Solar Energy Society said, “Pakistan and China are like brothers. We are eager to promote our solar energy industry in Pakistan.”

Outlining the proposed plan, Yuan Xiuhe, Deputy Mayor of Dezhou City, detailed a three-point plan intended to move the project forward. The first step, he said, was the readiness of Chinese solar power companies to establish offices in Pakistan. Secondly, he said, China is also ready to send a team of technicians from the prominent Hinin Group to set up the manufacturing of high‑quality cost effective solar energy equipment in Pakistan. Finally, the establishment of joint-ventures between Chinese and domestic companies would cement the partnership and promote a solid future for solar power in the country.

Image Credit - Mike Weston via flickr.com on a Creative Commons license

For more on this article, please click on the following link: China, Pakistan Plan Solar Partnership to Face Energy Crisis: Red Green and Blue

Iran, Pakistan Agree on New Terms in Gas Deal: Fars News

TEHRAN (FNA)- Tehran and Islamabad have agreed on a revised price formula and a new price review mechanism for Iranian gas that will be piped to Pakistan, a senior Iranian official said.

The new formula and review mechanism update terms reached in 2006 during the long-running negotiations on the project that are part of Iran's effort to become a major gas exporter. 

Hojjatollah Ghanimifard, the Iranian oil minister's special representative to the pipeline talks, said both sides agreed to amend terms because of changes in the energy market since 2006. 

He said agreement was reached after two days of talks in Tehran. 

"We agreed that the formula should be changed," he told Reuters, adding that the price review formula was also amended. 

"One of the changes (to the review formula)... was that a year before the commencement of delivery of the gas we are going to have a price review. Of course, this can be an option that either side can use," said Ghanimifard, who is also a senior official in the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company. 

He said the changes have to be approved by the authorities in both countries, after which details would be announced. 

This could lead to setting a date for signing a contract, he added. 

"Almost five years after the contract is signed we hope that the commencement of gas delivery starts," he said. 

India had been part of the $7 billion pipeline project, but stayed away from talks in September saying it wanted guaranteed security of supplies as the pipeline should go through a restive province in Pakistan. 

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Iran, Pakistan Agree on New Terms in Gas Deal: Fars News

Pakistan to produce 1,000 MW wind energy: The News

Monday, October 20, 2008
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan would be able to produce another 1,000 MW power through wind energy within the next few years, Director Technical Alternative Energy Development Board Irfan Afzal Mirza said on Sunday.

Talking to the Voice of Germany (VOG), he said approval to 23 projects had been accorded. Each project would be able to produce 50 MW power. So the country would produce 1000 MW energy through wind within the next three to four years.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan to produce 1,000 MW wind energy: The News

Pakistan gets power plant deal: LA Times

From the Associated Press

October 19, 2008

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN -- Pakistan said Saturday that China would help build two more nuclear power plants in the energy-starved Muslim nation, tightening the bonds between the two countries as rising militant violence in Pakistan strains its anti-terrorism alliance with the United States.

The nuclear agreement was among a dozen economic cooperation accords signed last week during President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to Beijing, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.

Although Qureshi gave few details, enhanced cooperation with China probably will help ease Pakistan's resentment of a recent deal allowing U.S. businesses to sell nuclear fuel, technology and reactors to India.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan gets power plant deal: LA Times

Dubai's Abraaj Capital buys into Karachi power firm: Reuters

By John Irish and Sahar Ahmed
DUBAI/KARACHI, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Private equity firm Abraaj Capital has bought a controlling stake in KES Power, the parent company of Karachi Electric Supply Co (KESC.KA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) (KESC), to boost generating capacity in Pakistan's largest city.
Dubai-based Abraaj, which manages about $5 billion in funds, said in a statement on Wednesday it was buying new shares in KES Power Ltd, giving Abraaj a 50-percent stake and management control of the firm.
Karachi is Pakistan's biggest city with a population of more than 13 million and is home to many industries, the country's two main ports and its main stock market.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Dubai's Abraaj Capital buys into Karachi power firm: Reuters

Pakistan’s first wind mill near completion: The News

By By Saad Hasan 10/15/2008
KARACHI: A Turkish company is close to completing the first windmill in Pakistan, which is suffering from severe energy shortage and a ballooning current account deficit as it continues to spend billions of dollars on import of fuel oil to run thermal power plants.

Zorlu Enerji Pakistan has almost completed foundation work for five wind turbines in Jhimpir, 70km from Karachi, each capable of producing 1.2 megawatts of electricity. Though initially 6MW of electricity will be produced, the project will be expanded to 50MW in the next few years.

“We are looking forward to erecting the structures by the end of November,” said Osman Ipek, CEO Zorlu while talking to newsmen on Monday. “The potential is immense, wind density and speed is sufficient.”

It has been quite some time since a natural wind corridor from Gharo to Keti Bandar in Sindh province was discovered. This windmill will mark the first of many such projects in the pipeline. Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), a government body tasked with promoting indigenous sources of renewable energy, has successfully formulated a policy which ensures better return for investors.

Project Manager Yagmar Ozdemir said sale price of wind energy in Pakistan is better than other countries. “Internal rate of return of 15 per cent (annually) is very good. Other countries do not offer more than 12 per cent.”

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan’s first wind mill near completion: The News

Pakistan, Malaysia to construct 305 MW power project in Karachi: APP

SLAMABAD, Oct 13 (APP): Progas Pakistan and KUB Malaysia Berhad have won the bid to construct 305 MW Independent Power Project at Port Qasim, Karachi.

Present government had invited investors to establish power projects in Pakistan on a fast track basis, consisting of two packages - Package-A for IPP projects of 1000 MW and Package-B for Rental Power Projects.

According to Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) here Monday, out of the twelve (12) bids received, three bids of Progas Energy, Cavalier Energy and Ruba Energy Pakistan were approved for construction of three Independent Power Projects with total power generating capacity of 929.06 Megawatt and two bids of Karkey, Karadeniz Eledkrik Uretim A.S and Walters Power International were approved for renting of two power generators of 418.802 MW capacity.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan, Malaysia to construct 305 MW power project in Karachi: APP

Chinese firm to construct 1,100MW power project: The News

Friday, October 10, 2008By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: In a positive development, Sinohydro Corporation of China is to invest in 1,100MW Kohala hydropower project.Top officials of the company came up with the offer on Thursday in a meeting with the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf. The minister said that government would facilitate foreign investors to invest in the water and power sector in Pakistan as there are great opportunities. He said that foreign investment in hydel power generation would help to meet the country’s future power requirements at affordable prices.Ashraf also informed the delegation that Pakistan was embarking on the construction of multipurpose dams which would meet power needs in the long term. Earlier, the Chinese company gave a detailed presentation to the minister on its ongoing projects and briefed him on the expertise in construction of hydropower projects. The firm expressed interest in investing millions of dollars in Pakistan by constructing 1,100MW Kohala hydropower project.They also informed that the company is working on 156 hydropower projects in various countries of the world. The company is already constructing Gomal Zam dam, Khan Khawar hydropower project and Dubair Khawar hydropower project in Pakistan.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Chinese firm to construct 1,100MW power project: The News

Pakistan, China may enter deals for more nuclear power plants: Tehran Times

Pakistan will seek help from China in installing two more nuclear power plants at Chashma, materialising the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, and joint ventures in manufacturing and assembling cars during the visit of President Asif Ali Zaradri to Beijing that is to start from October 14.

According to a senior government official at Finance Ministry, Pakistan and China may also strike deal in manufacturing and assembling of trucks. “This is basically the proposal of Heavy Mechanical Complex.” Islamabad and Beijing may also enter into agreements for setting up steel mills and cement plants and for developing the agriculture industry. China would be invited to invest in pesticide production and hybrid seed industry. During the visit, Pakistan would also seek cooperation in developing the electronics industry and home appliances.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan, China may enter deals for more nuclear power plants: Tehran Times

Pakistan's KAPCO FY08 net profit rises 37 percent: Reuters

KARACHI, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Pakistan's Kot Addu Power Co (KAPCO) (KAPCO.KA: Quote, Profile, Research), the country's largest power producer held by private investors, posted a better-than-expected 37 percent rise in full-year net profit on Friday.
KAPCO said it earned a net profit of 7.966 billion rupees ($105 million) in the year ending June 30, compared to 4.99 billion rupees last year.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: Pakistan's KAPCO FY08 net profit rises 37 percent: Reuters

World oil consumption: Pakistan ranks 38th: Dawn

KARACHI, Aug 5: Pakistan ranked 38th in world oil consumption with 324,000 barrels per day while the United States held the number one position with a consumption of 20,730,000 bbl/day.

According to CIA World Factbook as of June 14, 2007, China, which came second after the US, consumes 6,534,000 bbl/day, while Japan’s consumption stood at 5,578,000 bbl/day.

For more on this article, please click on the following link: World oil consumption: Pakistan ranks 38th: Dawn