Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum have signed two strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for the development of a floating solar power project of up to 1,000MW on existing water reservoirs and the rehabilitation, upgrading, and capacity enhancement of four hydropower projects in Pakistan.
WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani and Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum expressed their mutual interest and enthusiasm to collaborate on future, long-term projects in Pakistan's energy sector, with a specific focus on developing renewable energy solutions.
The MoUs aim to create a cooperative framework between the Private Office and WAPDA, facilitating collaboration and exploration of investment opportunities in Pakistan's energy sector, particularly focusing on WAPDA's small hydro power projects.
WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani signs the MoUs.
Both parties have reached an agreement to collaborate on the upgrade and rehabilitation of hydropower projects in Renala, Rasul, Chichokimalian, and Nandipur.
The parties have mutually agreed to collaborate in assessing the technical and economic feasibility of these projects, as well as formulating an implementation plan.
The parties conveyed their intention to promptly approach the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to seek a tariff structure for floating solar power projects. This step aims to facilitate the investments outlined in the MoUs and provide the necessary support for the planned ventures.
Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum signs the MoU.
Pakistan is in dire need of abundant and cost-effective energy due to a significant energy deficit of around 4,000 MW. This shortage has led to consumers experiencing power outages lasting 2-3 hours. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement for substantial investment in Pakistan's affordable energy sector.
The rise in line and recovery losses indicates that increased power generation leads to additional losses.
