Traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels can only provide Pakistan with power for so long. In light of this, the Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB) has proposed a new, but ambitious plan; to add 3,000-3,500MW to the national grid by 2018 by wind-based electricity. The CEO of AEDB, Amjad A, Awan, recently apprised the press of the progress of wind power projects undertaken in Pakistan.
“Out of this, 1,396MW of electricity will be added to the system by 2017 as the AEDB would complete several projects initiated for alternate power generation by then.” – AEDB Chief Executive Officer, Amjad A. Awan
Mr. Awan said that the listed wind projects are currently operational.
While these five are currently functional, he has stated that 28 ongoing projects will provide a combined capacity of 1,396.4MW and would be completed by 2017. In this way, perhaps we can finally say goodbye to the energy crises that has been plaguing the country since over a decade. Additionally, the following nine wind projects are under construction as well.
These have formed a grand total of 477MW, which might not be sufficient enough to wipe out the energy crises, but a proper step has been taken in the right direction. With these new projects, he also stated that power tariff for wind power projects had been reduced to 10.4 cents, and with the addition of more plants like these, there is a very high chance that the tariff will be reduced even further.
The obvious benefits of wind energy are that they are able to provide clean power to the country and will not contribute negatively to the environment. Traditional methods of providing power might be doing the job, but they negatively impact the environment, leading to adverse weather conditions and global warming. It’s safe to say that these conditions are not good for power grids scattered across the country.
With these new projects, will we finally be seeing the end of the power crisis? Let us hope so.
