Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan said that each new wind energy project built in Sindh's Gharo-Jhimpir corridor represents progress toward the country's objective of providing less expensive and more environmentally friendly electricity from domestic energy sources. He was addressing at the opening of two new wind energy projects in Jhimpir, Thatta district: a 50 MW plant owned by Gul Ahmed Electric Ltd. and a 60 MW plant owned by Metro Wind Power Ltd.

The minister said that the Gharo-Jhimpir corridor, which is home to multiple wind turbines, symbolised Pakistan's energy future, as it stands for the best possible use of domestic energy resources for the generation of clean electricity. According to him, the establishment of new wind power plants in the country is entirely consistent with the energy strategy of the current administration, which includes the need that any new generating capacity established in the country should not use imported fuels for environmental protection.

He said that the construction of new wind power facilities would significantly reduce electricity costs since their tariffs were far lower than those imposed on the country's general consumer population. He told the audience that the current administration will make every effort to make it easier for new wind energy projects to start by increasing the country's transmission capacity, as Pakistan needed to produce more clean electricity to fuel its economic growth.

The minister stated that Pakistan will progressively phase out the production of energy using expensive imported fuels and instead place a larger dependence on wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower resources to produce clean electricity for all consumers. According to him, the current administration is totally devoted to using the most cutting-edge technologies for for electricity generation with Thar coal and causing the least amount of environmental damage possible.

Chief of the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) Shah Jahan Mirza spoke at the event and reassured the gathering that the AEDB has been working hard to serve as a one-stop shop for potential investors looking to start sustainable energy projects in Pakistan. According to him, the AEDB has been assisting with new energy projects in order to fulfil its responsibility in helping the government achieve its goal of having 60% of the country's electricity come from clean sources by the year 2030.

According to British Deputy High Commissioner Sarah Mooney, Pakistan must move toward renewable energy in order to better recover from the disastrous floods that have displaced 33 million people. She said the United Kingdom is taking the lead in providing Pakistan with investment and knowledge to help it transition to a more environmentally friendly and climate-resilient economy, in keeping with its COP-27 obligations.

These power plants by Metro Wind Power Ltd. and Gul Ahmed Electric Ltd. along the Jhimpir wind power corridor serve as examples in this regard. She said the UK will continue to look for additional opportunities to support similar energy initiatives going forward.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk