Around 22 50 MW wind energy projects are at different stages of development which, upon their completion would help meet energy requirements and achieve development goals. Out of these, the contractors of 11 projects have so far completed their feasibility studies, an official at Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) said.
Six Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have also acquired generation license from National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), three have been awarded tariff and three IPPs are negotiating Energy Purchase Agreements (EPA) and Implementation Agreements (IA) with concerned authorities, he added. He said wind energy resources are abundantly available across the country that can be effectively and efficiently utilised for economical generation of power. Therefore, wind energy is envisaged as an important ingredient of its future energy mix to meet shortage.
The official said keeping in view the huge potential and the anticipated future energy needs, the government has set a target of at least 5 per cent (to be checked) of the total national power generation capacity i.e. 9700 MW, to be generated through renewable energy technologies, especially through wind energy by year 2030. He said Zorlu Enerji Pakistan, awarded tariff of US cents 12.1057 per kWh was in the process of executing its 50 MW wind power project in Jham-pir, Thatta. Moreover, three companies have acquired their own private land for their 50 MW wind power projects each and are in the process of completing their feasibility studies.
