Pakistan's Energy & Water - News and Updates

[salman77]

GE launches Hawa wind farm in Pakistan​

GE Renewable Energy and Hawa Energy (Pvt.) Ltd have inaugurated the 50 MW wind farm, Hawa Power Project, in the Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind Corridor in Jhimpir, Sindh – a highly anticipated launch that seeks to further drive the growth of renewable energy in Pakistan. The project is installed with 29, 1.7-103 wind turbines, with implementation of the project undertaken by Power China, as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.

The 50 MW project is the fourth in Pakistan to feature GE's advanced wind turbines. In addition to the provision of wind turbines, GE will also provide 10 years of operations and maintenance services as part of the contract, making it a one-stop shop for Hawa Power Project. This agreement will encompass technical experience, data-driven insights and industry-leading trouble-shooting practices, smart maintenance and repairs while prioritizing lifecycle costs and guaranteed availability.

Dr. Manar Al Moneef, General Manager of GE Renewable Energy in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said: “GE has a rich heritage of more than six decades of collaboration and partnership in Pakistan, cementing its position as a committed solutions provider to the energy sector. The commissioning of this fourth wind farm and its provision of an additional 50 MW of renewable energy, which serves to create critical capacity that didn’t previously exist, and meet the low-cost and reliable electricity needs of thousands of citizens, is a proud moment for us.”

GE’s 1.7-100/103 wind turbine offers a 47 percent increase in swept area when compared to GE’s 1.6-82.5 turbine, resulting in a 24 percent increase in Annual Energy Production (AEP) at 7.5 m/s. This increase in blade swept area allows greater energy capture and improved project economics for wind developers. GE has been providing advanced wind turbines for the development of wind power plants in the Jhimpir corridor in Thatta district, adding more power to the national grid.

Farman Lodhi, Chief Executive Officer, Hawa Energy, said: “This partnership is built on numerous critical factors, including the exceptional reliability provided as well as the commitment to deliver by GE. All 29 turbines are now online, feeding power into the national grid and can meet the needs of more than 20,000 households. I look forward to seeing this project bridging a part of the power supply-demand gap in the country.”

GE Renewable Energy is one of the world's leading wind turbine suppliers, with more than 35,000 wind turbines installed globally. GE is focused on supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic growth, with technologies that generate more than 1/3 of the country’s electricity.

Sarim Sheikh, President & CEO of GE Pakistan, Iran & Afghanistan, said: “GE is committed to supporting local developers in Pakistan to build additional wind power capacity in the country. This project is a significant step toward an increase power generation from alternative sources of energy, a supply which is abundant in Sindh. It is a moment of pride for me to see our presence in Pakistan grow from strength-to-strength, especially given the profound impact these types of projects have on local communities.”

The Government of Pakistan has tasked the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) to ensure 5 percent of total national power generation capacity to be generated through renewable energy technologies by the year 2030, following the U.S. Agency for International Development and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that Pakistan has over 132 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy capacity.

http://www.yourindustrynews.com/ge+launches+hawa+wind+farm+in+pakistan_148691.html

 

[salman77]

1,230MW Haveli Bahadur Shah power plant starts generation

ISLAMABAD - Minister for Power Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari Wednesday announced that 1230MW RLNG based power project at Haveli Bahadur Shah had started generating power.

He made this announcement while chairing the 116th meeting of Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) held here.

The minister for power said that 1230MW project at Haveli Bahadur Shah has world’s highest plant efficiency rate of 62.5 percent and is a great achievement of current government, made possible by the relentless efforts by the Power Division, PPIB, NPPMCL and other key players. The minister expressed that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has greatly served Pakistan in securing self-reliance in power sector while its full scale implementation would deliver fruitful results in every nook and cranny of our country.

He said, “After controlling blackouts, we have come out of crisis mode and now the prime focus remains on attaining energy security. Our end dream is to ensure affordability in arranging future capacity additions for which hydro, coal, solar and wind assets are particularly vital which are abundantly available across country and enough to provide round-the-clock power supply for a long time,” he said.

Progress of under-implementation power and transmission line projects, which include CPEC and non-CPEC projects, was reviewed by the Board, while overall situation of the country’s demand-supply also came under discussion. Managing Director PPIB Shah Jahan Mirza briefed that PPIB has so far handled the CPEC energy programme of the GoP successfully and has already delivered success stories by declaring CODs of 1320MW Sahiwal and 1320MW Port Qasim coal based power projects while majority of projects are either under construction or under financial closing stages.

In the meeting, particular focus was on Thar coal mining and power generation projects being setup in the downtrodden Tharparkar.

The Board agreed to allow extensions in financial closing dates of 1320MW Thar Coal based power project at Thar Block-I by Thar Coal Block-I Power Generation Company Limited and 700MW Azad Pattan Hydropower Project at River Jhelum on the dual boundary of district Rawalpindi, Punjab and district Sudhnoti, AJ&K. The Board also allowed provision of revolving account facility for +660 kV HVDC Matiari-Lahore HVDC Transmission Line Project as was provided for power generation projects under CPEC agreement.

The minister remarked, “In 2013, every sector of Pakistan was in bad state but power sector was worst to all. Considering the complexity of crisis and its serious ramifications, number of measures were taken to ensure availability of electricity at affordable cost to our industry, agriculture, commercial enterprises and domestic consumers. The efforts of current government for transforming miseries of nation into comfort have borne fruit and power generation projects are an example of its own with regard to their advantages for the masses.”

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Power Ch Abid Sher Ali, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, secretary Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms, representatives of Power and Petroleum Divisions of Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, WAPDA, FBR, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan provinces and FATA and AJ&K, a private sector member, besides, executive director and directors of PPIB and other senior government officials.

https://nation.com.pk/10-May-2018/1-230mw-haveli-bahadur-shah-power-plant-starts-generation

 

[ziaulislam]

 

[ice_man]

Pakistan signs deal to construct US$698.3 million Sharmai hydropower project

Pakistan is moving forward with hydropower development in its northwestern-most province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), located in the district of Dir near Afghanistan’s eastern border, according the government of KP.

KP made the announcement on July 23 after Pakistan Chief Minister Pervez Khattak signed an agreement between Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) and a consortium of Sinohydro and Lahore-based Sapphire Electric Co. for construction of the 150-MW Sharmai hydropower project.

PEDO Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Ayub, said the project is expected to be completed in five years at an estimated cost of US$698.3 million. But, he did not provide any information on the project’s start date.

Information from KP indicates the Sharmai hydro project will include a dam and reservoir, and the powerhouse will be located near Darora village and on the confluence of Usherai Khwar Stream and Panjkora River.

Additional technical information for the project includes the following:

• Net head – 196.6 m;
• Annual energy generation – 682 GWh;
• Reservoir capacity – 32.2 million cubic meters;
• Length of power tunnel – 7.8 km; and
• Catchment area – 1,950 km2.

The Sharmai hydro project continues the country’s recent trend towards massive planned infrastructure improvements.

Pakistan and French Agency for Development on July 20 signed US$192 million in soft loan agreements to improve Pakistan’s energy sector, including rehabilitating the 1,000-MW Mangla hydropower project, according to the government of Pakistan.

The Mangla hydropower project is a multipurpose facility located on the Jhelum River in Mirpur district of Azad Kashmir. It includes Mangla Dam, which is the seventh largest dam in the world; the country’s largest reservoir, which has a live storage capacity of 7.48 million acre feet; and 10 generating units.

Earlier this year, China and Pakistan signed a US$50 billion memorandum of understanding on May 13 to develop and complete the Indus River Cascade, according to information from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The planned cascade includes the 4,500-MW Diamer-Basha project, which is already being constructed and four additional projects being developed: 2,400-MW Patan; 4,000-MW Thakot; 7,100-MW Bunji; and 4,320-MW Dasu.

In 2016, HydroWorld.com reported KP's hydroelectric power development fund approved the 84-MW Matiltan, 69-MW Daral Khwar, 69-MW Lawi, 40.8-MW Koto and 10.2-MW Jabori plants – all of which are currently in development. In addition, feasibility studies are being conducted for the 446-MW Kari Mushkar, 410-MW Tor Camp Godobar and 110-MW Gabral Kalam.

Ayub also said seven additional hydropower projects with a total combined installed capacity of 668 MW would be initiated through private sector that would bring $2 billion investment in the province, according to government information.

http://www.hydroworld.com/articles/2017/07/pakistan-signs-deal-to-construct-us-698-3-million-sharmai-hydropower-project.html

the china and pakistan MOU for INdus river Cascade will remain that an MOU. till date construction on BASHA dam has not started infact it is removed from CPEC. doubt any dam will be built.

If and when the power crisis is resolved we will be facing our bigger challenge of water crisis.

 

[Dubious]

Govt to take over operation, management of Port Qasim plant

ISLAMABAD - Port Qasim Power Project is one of the early harvest energy projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a Chinese embassy statement said Friday.

The power plant can generate 9 billion kilowatt/hour of electricity annually, effectively relieving the loadshedding in Pakistan and producing tremendous economic and social benefits, it said.

During the implementation of the project, Power China Resources Ltd has followed the principle of “joint construction through consultation for mutual benefits” by sharing advanced technologies and training local talents, the statement said.

According to the operation plan for localisation of Port Qasim power project, Pakistan will take over the operation and management of the power plant, finally.

PCR takes the training of Pakistani workers as its own responsibility. It has provided opportunities for the workers to get familiar with the production and management and master the core technologies of power plant as soon as possible, thus, laying a solid foundation for the Pakistani side to take over the production, operation and management.

Pakistani workers, accounting for 60% of the whole staff, are the primary workforce at the plant. To meet the needs of local operation, PCR employed 100 Pakistani college graduates in 2016 and sent them to China for thermal power technology training for free. Now these workers have taken up key positions and become the main force for power plant operation and maintenance. Port Qasim coal-fired power plant has provided 2.5 billion kilowatt/hour of energy till May 26th.

The nature of thermal power plant production requires 24-hour production without interruption. The power grid has been overloaded in the sustained hot weather since April, which has caused short supply of power. During Ramazan, Pakistani workers, as the major force for plant operation, worked under the heat together with their Chinese colleagues at the frontline.

Meanwhile, the Ramadan traditions are given special considerations. The Pakistani workers are separated into four groups and work in three shifts every eight hours. Chinese workers have volunteered lengthening their work time, and working in three groups and in two shifts every twelve hours.

On May 16th, systematic transmission line malfunction occurred to the national grid of Pakistan, resulting in a widespread blackout in many areas such as provinces of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with many local hospitals, factories and airports seriously affected.

During the accident, distinct changes happened to the load of two units at Port Qasim coal-fired power plant which provides 10% of the nation's electric power output.

Operating personnel from China and Pakistan launched emergency response at once. “Thanks to their composure and decisiveness in handling the emergency, the stability of voltage, frequency and other parameters of the grid was guaranteed. Throughout the 9 hours’ accident management, Pakistani staff worked at the forefront of operation and maintenance of the power plant,” the statement said.

Their all-weather engagement to accident handling has ensured the safe and stable operation of the power units. They have played a key role in maintaining the grid’s stability and made positive contribution for helping Pakistani people live through the heat, it said.

Port Qasim coal-fired power plant offers convenient working and living conditions to local workers at its best. Based on the principle of applying localized management mode and respecting the religious beliefs of local workers, it set up two more prayer sites in office and dormitory areas with prayer carpets, the statement said.

Dining time has been rescheduled in the mornings and evenings in accordance with Ramazan traditions. Food quality has been improved by offering a variety of nutritious food to cater to Pakistani workers’ diet habits, in order to guarantee and improve their physical health, it said.

Free shuttle bus service has been offered for Pakistani workers. In addition, facilities at the Staff Activity Center provide leisure and recreation for local workers in their spare time. Their needs in food, shelter and travel have been better satisfied at the power plant, the statement said.

The Silk Road spirit of “joint construction, extensive consultation and mutual benefits” has been vividly reflected at Port Qasim power plant.

Embracing the new era of commercial operation of the power plant, workers from China and Pakistan will jointly fulfill the new mission of lighting up 4 million families in Pakistan and instilling endless vitality into China Pakistan friendship, it said.

https://nation.com.pk/09-Jun-2018/govt-to-take-over-operation-management-of-port-qasim-plant

 

[pzfz]

The crux of the matter. Crop substitution, desi urban habits, etc need to change and change fast. What can currently be done is not being done:

https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/2018/06/07/opinion-pakistans-water-shortage-is-a-myth/

Opinion: Pakistan’s water shortage is a myth


The country’s water scarcity is socially constructed, and large farmers engaged in agricultural exports are the culprits and the beneficiaries of it

Daanish Mustafa, Thursday June 7th, 2018

I recently came across some real news about Pakistan which merits sharing, and commenting. According to a July, 2017 article by Carole Dalin at University College, London and fellow authors, in Nature, the world’s top journal for scientific knowledge, Pakistan is the largest exporter of depleted groundwater embedded in agricultural exports in the world. We account for 29% of the global trade in agricultural products grown from over abstraction of groundwater, ahead of the United States (27 %) and India (12%). So we are number one in something, should we be happy and proud that we even beat the United States, let alone India? Or is there a cause for concern?

The research presented by Dalinet al. is predicated upon the concept of virtual water coined by my esteemed colleague, Professor Tony Allan, at King’s College, London. The concept is simply that all agricultural, or for that matter any industrial products require a certain amount of water to produce, which is embedded in those products as virtual water. For example, it takes about 22,000 litres of water to produce one kilogram of beef, 1,350 litres for one kilogram of wheat, 3,000 litres for a kilogram of rice, 140 litres for a cup of coffee etc. As a water researcher, I have my reservations about the concept and its use, which are beside the point. One has to concede that it is an amazing teaching devise for drawing attention to the impact on water resources, for producing goods and services, particularly agricultural products that make our life styles possible.

So what does it mean that Pakistan is the largest exporter of depleted groundwater as virtual water through its agricultural exports? In Pakistan, up to 80% of the water required by crops to grow comes from groundwater, and not from surface water, as is commonly believed. In fresh groundwater zones, most of the water is in fact, surface water that seeps through canals into groundwater, that is pumped back up to the surface for agriculture. Groundwater extraction rates in Pakistan are much beyond the natural recharge rates, at which the groundwater is replenished.

In the upper Indus we extract 54% more water than can be naturally replaced in the aquifer and by 18% in the lower Indus. This over extraction of water Dalinet al. demonstrate is mostly used to grow wheat, rice, cotton and other crops such as sugarcane, respectively. The water therefore is virtually embedded in these crops. Almost all of our virtual water exports are in the form of rice (82%) to four main countries, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Bangladesh. To put it simply, we are living beyond our (water) means to grow rice among others, not for ourselves, but to sell to other countries.

So, is that a good thing? The answer depends on one’s perspective. If one is a free market and free trade enthusiast, one can argue that the benefits we gain in terms of foreign exchange and revenue for the agricultural sector outweigh the cost of drawing down the groundwater. The things we are able to import, with the dollars we earn from our agricultural exports, give us the means to pursue other developmental ends including poverty alleviation.

If one is from an environmental sustainability or social equity perspective it is a very bad thing. From an equity standpoint, the costs of lowering groundwater are overwhelmingly borne by the poor and small farmers. They do not have the resources to pay for the equipment or the electricity for deep tubewells to get to ever receding groundwater, thereby leading to increasing rural poverty. In the long run, everyone pays a price as springs and wetlands dry up, and groundwater resources get dangerously low. It is no coincidence that Pakistan has the highest urbanization rates in Asia. Poor farmers unable to compete in the race to the bottom — literally — are abandoning farms and heading to the cities, putting the urban infrastructure under unprecedented stress.

Is there an absolute scarcity of water in Pakistan? How can the largest exporter of virtual water protest water scarcity? The answer simply is that there is no absolute water scarcity. It is socially constructed, and large farmers engaged in agricultural exports are the culprits and the beneficiaries of it. There are only three types of water storage: glaciers, surface (dams) and groundwater. We have one of the largest reserves of groundwater in the world, and we misuse it for the benefit of commercial interests. The Chinese when they prioritise agricultural investments under the Chinese Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are not looking for land. They have plenty of it. They want our water. We would do well to remember that in this season of hollering about conspiracies and attacks on democracy.

 

[fanne]

good green energy .

 

[Windjammer]

KPK: Tarbela Dam filled today to its maximum level of 1,550 feet above Mean Sea Level and 6.047 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water [#Tarbela#TarbelaDam #Dams #KPK #Pakistan#WaterStorage]

 

[fatman17]

Under Construction 2200 MW Nuclear Power Plants in Karachi
K-3 Dome placing in progress, K-2 Dome done.

#Nuclear #Pakistan #Karachi #China

@defencedotpk https://t.co/L1t9kRgP3j

 

[Sucha Kuggu]

Govt should seriously conceder to go on energy conservation drive. Shut down all business latest by 21:00. Start Offices a 07:00 instead of 9:00 to give public more time at night for shopping. If kids can go to school at 7:00 why not parents to offices. Make public earn the Barakah of early to work and early to bed of Islamic teachings, instead looking for drived solution of day light saving etc.

 

[Dubious]

ADB finances project to improve water supply in Pakistan province
By: Simone Rensch

3 Sep 18
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $100m loan to help with water shortages in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province.

The loan will improve irrigation infrastructure and water resource management, as well as aim to increase earnings on farms in the province.

Agriculture accounts for almost two thirds of Balochistan’s economic output, while 60% of the 13 million-strong population are employed in the sector.

But the drought and poor water management has put the industry at risk and poverty rates in the province are almost double the national average, the ADB said

The bank’s principle water resource specialist Yaozhou Zhou said: “Agriculture is the backbone of Balochistan’s economy.

“This project will build irrigation channels and dams, and introduce efficient water usage systems and practices, to help farmers increase food production and make more money.”

It will also upgrade and build new infrastructure, including a dam able to hold 36 million cubic metres of water, 276km of irrigation channels and drainage canals, and facilities to make it easier for people to access water for domestic use.

ADB will also administer a $3m grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and a $2m grant from the High-Level Technology Fund for the project.

https://www.publicfinanceinternatio...roject-improve-water-supply-pakistan-province

 

[Introvert]

Korean investors keen to invest in automobile, hydro projects: envoy

Pakistan and South Korea have agreed to explore new avenues for investment as such cooperation always play a central role in bringing nations closer and help build a long lasting and mutually beneficial relationship at all levels.

In this regard, Ambassador of South Korea called on Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla at the Parliament House on Thursday and exchanged views of matter of mutual interests besides strengthening trade and economic relations.

Deputy Chairman Senate said that South Korea and Pakistan share identical views on issues being faced at regional and global levels and both the countries desire a peaceful solution to all the issues. He said that Pakistan desires to further strengthen bilateral multi-sector cooperation with South Korea. He said that South Korean companies are already working in different sectors, however, there is huge scope for investment in energy, automobile, transport and other sectors.

He said that Pakistan highly values it bilateral cordial relations with South Korea. “We want to further strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two parliaments through frequent exchanges” Senator Mandviwalla said. He also extended an invitation to the Speaker of the South Korean Parliament to visit Pakistan.

South Korean agreed with the views of Deputy Chairman Senate. He said that automobile and hydro sectors are being focused by South Korean investors and a number of South Korean companies are ready to invest in Pakistan which would be beneficial for both sides.

The Deputy Chairman Senate expressed his well wishes to the Parliament, people and government of South Korea.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/303482/korean-investors-keen-to-invest-in-automobile-hydro-projects-envoy/

 

[muhammadhafeezmalik]

Express

 

[Path-Finder]

Need this on war footings

https://twitter.com/x/status/1048509826500907008

 

[aziqbal]

Pakistan needs at least 5 x K-Type nuclear power plants for Southern area

thats like 5 x 1,000KW plants