In order to induct clean renewable energy in the system, NTDC has initiated projects for construction of 220 KV Jhampir 2 grid, along with interconnecting transmission lines.

Talking to Business Recorder, Managing Director NTDC, Zafar Abbas said on Thursday that the project has been planned for execution through NTDC's own resources. For this purpose, the NTDC for the first time has explored the option of raising a loan on its own balance sheet strength without GOP guarantee. This is going to be a precursor for more funding for upcoming transmission line projects.

PC-1 cost of the project is Rs 10.753 Billion and funding required is Rs 6.400 billion. A consortium of banks will be providing this funding to NTDC for which terms and conditions are being finalized, he added. The NTDC in the past has relied on GoP guaranteed loans from the local market. However with completion of this current transaction, the NTDC will be taking a step towards establishing its own strength in the market. To supplement this futuristic approach NTDC has also initiated a process for credit rating. Once done this will further strengthen NTDC position to get more funding.

"Jhampir 2 project will have 11 wind plants connected to it in the first phase with a commutative capacity of around 600 MW," he said, adding that the project will have sufficient capacity to transmit more power in future. As Gharo-Jhmapir wind corridor will be further developed in future, this 220 KV grid shall then be upgraded to 500 KV in coming year, he concluded.