In order to facilitate investment in the wind power projects, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) will notify the upfront tariff for the wind power projects within this week. Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar said this while meeting with Dong Feng Electric Corporation, China, Vice President Zahu Yanchou on Tuesday.
The minister said, the government plans to generate 1500 MW through wind power by end of next year and physical implementation of the project will take place after announcement of upfront tariff. Adding to that, letters of interest (LOIs) have been issued to various investors as the country has big potential of wind power generation. Pakistan has wind power potential of 40,000 MW along the coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan. Even though foreign companies from China, Germany, and Norway have shown keen interest in this sector, the investment had remained on the halt due to the absence of upfront tariff.
The minister asked delegation to invest more in the wind power generation projects and complete Nandipur of 425 MW and Chichonkimalian of 525 MW as soon as possible, since these are important in reducing power crises. DFEC vice president, Zahu expressed his interest to invest in wind, hydel and thermal power generation projects to meet the future requirements of the country. DFEC is already working on five hydel and thermal projects in the country. While thanking to minister for resolving pending issues of the Nandipur project he assured about the completion of the above mentioned projects very soon.
