PM says energy crisis hurting economy

KARACHI - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday formally inaugurated Pakistan’s first wind power project at Jhampir in Thatta district, which will have the generating capacity of 50 megawatt.
Turkish company Zorlu Energy Wind Power Project has executed the project in Pakistan.
He said that the government had created an Alternative Energy Fund (AEF), which would exploit alternative energy technologies in the country. He said that AEF would be utilised for projects that require financial support to become viable in the renewable energy sector.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf, Secretary Water and Power, CEO AEDB were present on the occasion.
Gilani said that Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), with the support of all public and private stakeholders, had prepared a mid-term renewable energy policy document which focused on creating an environment for power generation through renewable energy means in the country. He added that the cabinet would approve the policy.
Recalling the past glory of the area, he said Thatta had remained a centre of education and learning and a meeting point of civilisation. With the inauguration of the wind power project, the area was re-emerging in a new role of a powerhouse for the development of the entire region, he added.
Launching the project, he said that 60km-long and 170km deep corridor alone had the potential to generate over 50,000MW of electricity. The project would be opening up a new era in Pakistan and era with the development of green and economical indigenous energy resources.
The government always wanted to reduce dependence on imported oil and control environmental pollution and was committed to tapping the indigenous resources as a strategy to meet the growing energy needs.
The Zorlu Power Project was also the manifestation of the historical brotherly and friendly ties between the people of Pakistan and Turkey. The project would further strengthen the cordial relationship between the two countries, he added.