Hydropower only remedy for energy crisis in Pakistan

June 08, 2009

ISLAMABAD: According to a Chinese expert Hydro power generation is the only solution to address the severe energy crisis in Pakistan. Mr Wang Shaofeng Director China International Water and Electric Corporation said that "In Pakistan there is 40,000 to 50,000 MW hydro power potential in its northern areas."

Mr Wang added that Pakistan has at present over 6000 MW installed capacity, to meet the ever growing demand of energy he pointed out that his corporation has started to invest USD 2 billion in hydro power project in Kohala.

Mr Wang said that in Pakistan his company has completed 19 projects while the on going project investment of USD 2 billion would last for over forty year. He added that there was great potential of hydro power generation in SAARC countries including Pakistan.

He said that in Pakistan around 13% of the Hydro Power has been developed, while the Norway has got 90% benefit from its water resource by generating hydro power. India, although only developed about 15% has set their long-term power plan of mix of Hydro:Thermal to 60:40, that means India will invest a lot and put huge efforts to develop hydro power.

Hydro power is the cheapest mean of developing energy in Pakistan, while coal reserves are yet to be fully developed while generating energy through fuel is very expensive. If security is established, more and more Chinese enterprises would like to make investment in power generation sector in the country thus greatly contributing in the economic development of Pakistan.

He said that except in Bhutan, his company has projects in all the other seven SAARC countries. Wang pointed out that his corporation had accomplished two major irrigation projects in Afghanistan. In SAARC countries potential for hydro energy is around 300,000 MW.