The Khyber Pakthunkhwa power and energy department has completed feasibility studies of five mega projects with a capacity of 1123MW to help supplement federal government efforts to address the problem of energy shortfall.
Officials in KP power and energy department said that that seven hydro power projects with a total capacity of 1978MW have been presented in the road show held between April 17-19 in China for inclusion in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with different Chinese companies to tap KP’s energy potential.
The official said that at least $6,919 million would be required for the successful completion of these seven projects that would be constructed in Chitral under CPEC.
The projects proposed for CPEC include Mujigram-Shoghor hydro power project (HPP) of 64MW capacity which requires investment of $182 million, Istaru Booni (HPP) of 72MW capacity requires investment of $276 million, Turen More Kari (HPP) Chitral of 350MW capacity requires investment of $753 million, Jamshill Tureen More (HPP) Chitral of 260MW capacity requires $616 million investment and Ghrait-Swir Lasht (HPP) Chitral of 377MW capacity requires $1811 million investment.
The official said that the feasibility studies of these projects have been completed and they are ready for execution, adding that most of these projects would be built on River Chitral and adjoining water streams as Chitral is ideal for power generation.
The other two projects proposed for inclusion in CPEC include 409MW capacity Torcamp-Gudubar (HPP) requiring an investment of $1534 million and Kari-Mushkur (HPP) having 446MW capacity requiring an investment of $1748 million that would be completed with assistance of brotherly country China.
The work on the feasibility studies of these projects are underway, which would be completed soon, the official said, adding that MoUs of these projects have been signed with Chinese companies in the recently held Road Show. The official further stated that the terms and conditions for sharing investment between KP government and Chinese companies would be determined later, after signing of proper agreements.
The official said that about 900 Chinese companies had participated in the road show and 82 MoUs against 86 prepared projects in diversified sectors have been inked.
He said that MoUs with a Chinese company regarding installation of a solar system in 10,000 schools and 400 hospitals of Khyber Pakthunkhwa were also inked.
To give practical shape to these projects, the official said that the Chinese investors would visit KP in July this year to analyze these projects on grounds. The Chinese investors and companies are taking immense interest in the province and $24 billion foreign investment is to be expected in Khyber Pakthunkhwa in the future.
The official said that four agreements have been signed with frontier works organization (FWO) for the establishment of oil refinery in Karak, 600MW electricity project and installation of cement plants in Haripur and Model Town, Peshawar.
To another question, the official said that 1000 acres land has been acquired for the establishment of an economic zone near Rashaki Interchange in Nowshera under CPEC where industries, energy and gas projects in addition to technical education institutes would be setup. He further added that Chinese companies had desired 1000 acre more land in Rashakai for future expansion.
The official said that the establishment of a separate cluster of IT city in the Rashakai industrial zone under CPEC has been planned to provide quality education to youth.
An economic and industrial zone would also be setup in Kohat on 1000 acres land at Shehzadi Banda that would be linked with the CPEC route, he said, adding that it would generate employment besides promoting industries in southern districts of KP and Fata.
MoUs for industrial estate at Khattar in Haripur on 1000 acres land, special economic zone on 88 acres in Mansehra, special economic zone at Darabanda in DI Khan on 1500 acres have already been signed. These projects would also be linked with the railway network.
These projects after completion would not only generate employment opportunities for the people but would alleviate poverty, promote infant industries and enhance quality communication services and industrialization in the province.
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