'22 wind-energy projects of 1,100 megawatts under way'

Around 22 wind energy projects of 50MW each are at different stages of development and upon completion would help meet the energy requirements and development goals. Out of these, 11 developers have completed their feasibility studies, said an official at Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), here on Thursday.
The official said six Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have 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 the concerned authorities. He observed wind energy resources are abundantly available across the country that can be effectively and efficiently utilised for economical generation of power. Therefore, it is envisaged as an important ingredient of its future energy mix to meet the shortage. He informed that keeping in view the huge potential and the anticipated future energy needs, government has set a target of at-least five percent (to be checked) of the total national power generation capacity ie 9,700MW. This would be generated through renewable energy technologies, especially wind energy, by year 2030.
He disclosed that Zorlu Enerji Pakistan, awarded tariff of US cents 12.1057 per kWh, is in the process of executing its 50MW wind-power project in Jham-pir, Thatta. Moreover, three companies have acquired their own private land for their 50MW wind power projects each and are in the process of completing their feasibility studies.
He furthered that AEDB is also encouraging use of wind energy for self-consumption and grid spill-over. A 150KW wind turbine installed by a private industry is currently availing the net metering facility, he added. The official also highlighted the incentives for development of renewable energy for power generation that include Wind Risk, Guaranteed Electricity Purchase, Attractive Tariff, No Import Duties on Equipment, Zero Sales Tax and many more. He also said there exists immense potential of wind energy with approximately 346,000 is available in the country.