ADB approves $5.3 billion for ongoing uplift projects

KARACHI (APP) - Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $ 5.3 billion for 60 on-going development
projects for Pakistan, which included a financing of $ 2.166 billion for energy projects.
This was stated by country director ADB Rune Stroem while speaking at the 5th POGEE Conference held at the
Karachi Expo Centre here Tuesday.
He said ADB provided $ 1.8 billion in 2007, $ 1.2 billion in 2008 and $ 1.5 billion for 2009 to Pakistan, and
stands as the largest development partner of this country.
He said these projects were in key infrastructure sectors including energy, transportation, water resources and
reforms. Rune said ADB was also the largest development partner in energy sector.
The ongoing loans included $ 510 million for renewable energy, $ 800 million for power transmission, $ 810
million for power distribution enhancement, he added.
Similarly, ADB will provide $ 350 million for sustainable energy efficiency, $ 800 million for power transmission
enhancement and $ 500 million for energy infrastructure under its future loan programme.
Rune pointed out the ongoing technical assistance programme included gas sector restructuring, establishment
of central power purchase agency, renewable energy policy formulation and capacity building, power distribution
enhancement and energy efficiency.
He said ADB had recently concluded technical assistance programme for the development of Thar Coal Fields
and provision of technical support to office of energy advisor to Prime Minister.
He said future technical assistance programme included Nepra Institutional capacity building and energy
infrastructure.
In addition, ADB is also investing in private sector energy projects including Fauji Kabirwala, Dharki Power, New
Bong Hydro, Rajdhani, Winpower and LNG projects.
Earlier, Director General Hydrocarbon Development Institute Hilal Raza said Pakistans energy demand would
reach over 360 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2030 which is six times the present needs.
Former managing director SSGC Muwanar Baseer Ahmad talked about Pakistans new energy plan
2010-2030. He said it was unfortunate that Thar coal was discovered 20 years ago but not a single bankable
feasibility was available for the project.
Executive director of PPIB N A Zuberi discussed opportunities and challenges for private power generation in
Pakistan while Aqeel Ahmed of ABB Ltd gave suggestions for energy efficiency to avoid power shortages.