The government is taking all necessary steps to convert the national grid from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. The statement was made by the Minister for Power, Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, while inaugurating the transmission line project of Suki Kinari near Kaghan in District Mansehra of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Minister said that government is fully aware of the environmental costs of burning fossil fuels for meeting the energy needs, adding that this is the primary reason behind government’s push for the development of alternative energy sources.

He said, “we are currently looking into all forms of renewable energy sources, be they hydro, wind, solar or biofuels.” Commenting on the transmission line project he said, “it is a 75 km long 500 KV double circuit transmission line being constructed with the help of our Chinese and international partners. The estimated cost of the project is PKR18,704 million. It will be able to transfer electricity up to 884 MW from the Suki Kinari hydropower project.” He continued, “this transmission line will connect the Suki Kinari hydropower project with the National Grid. It will fulfil the growing energy demands of our country after its completion.”

Dastagir further said that the project started in 2017 with the help from our Chinese partners under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “The estimated cost of the project will be around USD2100 million and it will generate annual electricity of 3.129 billion kWh/units,” adding that, “it will also create 6,000 jobs for the locals.” The Minister also informed the audience that NEPRA has also awarded levelized tariff to M/s SK Hydro at the rate of PKR8.8145/kWh in 2014. “The power plant will start electricity generation in November 2024,” he added. Managing Director of NTDC, Engineer Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, during his speech, said that the first phase of the Suki Kinari hydropower project is being constructed from loans credited by the local banks.

He said the completion of the project will create jobs for the locals and revive the local economy. He added, “Pakistan will be able to meet its energy needs after the completion of this project. It will be a source of clean and cheap energy for commercial and domestic consumers. The transmission line will be completed before the CoD of the main hydropower project.” Khurram Dastgir was given a guided tour of the Suki Kinari Hydropower project site along with MD (NTDC), MD (PPIB) and Chinese company officials after the inauguration ceremony. Local political leadership, large numbers of local people and NTDC employees were also present during the ground-breaking ceremony.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk