ISLAMABAD - Second hydro IPP of 147 MW in the private sector, processed by Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has started construction and its ground breaking is likely in the next month. The estimated investment on the project namely Patrind Hydro power is 362 million US dollars and located in the AJK. The project would start its commercial operation in 2017. First hydro has already started its operation and contributing 84 MW and last week the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated it.
In line with the policy of the federal government, PPIB is working on various projects of about 1100 MW to be completed during next five years. Sources told INP that the PPIB is expediting the Gulpur hydro project of 100 mw, the third hydro IPP in the private sector to be completed by December 2017. All the major formalities are being finalized and the project is in the Financial Close phase.
PPIB has already successfully managed to induct 29 independent private projects under 1994, 1995 and 2002 policies, totaling about 8657 MW in the national grid which is more than 50 % of the total generation of the country. Due to these projects the country received a foreign direct investment of $ 9.4 billion and attracted leading international and local investors to the Pakistan’s power sector.
An official of the PPIB told this agency that five big projects of 3800 MW, namely Karrot hydro of 720 MW, Suki Kinari Hydro of 840 MW, Azad Pattan of 640 MW, Chakothi Hattian of 500 MW and Kohala of 1100 MW are also under process by PPIB and are in different stages to be completed by 2020. The feasibility study of 590 MW Mahal Hydro power project has been completed and in the prequalification stage.
The govt is focusing on hydel power generation and these hydro projects would generate cheaper electricity for the consumers and help to change the current energy mix. PPIB is not only processing the hydel projects but it is also working on 1200 mw coal and some co generation projects. The organization known as one window facilitator is pursuing the project sponsors for their timely completion. The completion of this project would help to end the load shedding from the country.
Sources said that investment conferences and road shows are being planned by the government to attract foreign investment in the power sector and Pakistani missions in abroad would be given task to fetch investment.