News
Saturday, March 27, 2010
US commits $51m for upgrading 3 power plants
* Rehabilitation of Jamshoro Thermal Power Station to save at least $11.4m yearly in fuel costs
WASHINGTON: The United States and Pakistan on Friday signed implementation agreements to upgrade three Pakistani thermal power stations at Jamshoro, Muzaffargarh, and Guddu.
The rehabilitation programme, commissioned by Pakistani companies, will restore approximately 305 megawatts (MW) of lost power generation capacity and bring a measure of relief to the people of the country over the course of the next 12 months.
The USAID will provide $51 million in assistance for this effort. These projects are part of the first phase of the signature energy programme for Pakistan announced by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her visit to Pakistan in October 2009.
Water and Power Secretary Shahid Rafi and USAID Administrator Dr Rajiv Shah signed the agreements.
Restore: The rehabilitation of the Jamshoro Thermal Power Station near Hyderabad would restore 95 MW of capacity to the national grid. In addition to this, the repair of critical equipment would save Jamshoro at least $11.4 million each year in fuel costs.
Improvements at the Muzaffargarh Thermal Power Station near Multan will result in a capacity gain of 165 MW for the national grid with essential upgrades that will bring the power station’s performance closer to optimum levels. Based on the improved performance, the Muzaffargarh Station would save an estimated $17 million each year in fuel costs.
The repair of the Guddu Thermal Power Station at the confluence of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan would restore 35 to 55 MW of electricity using more efficient turbines, and save approximately $2.3 million each year in fuel costs.
The rehabilitation of these three thermal power stations directly addresses the priorities of everyday Pakistanis, and is consistent with the first phase of US assistance to Pakistan’s Energy Sector for quick, high-impact efficiency gains that save fuel and lighten the financial burden on electricity generation companies.
The implementation of a similar efficiency programme at the Tarbela Dam Hydroelectric Power Station is already under way for an additional 80 MW of electricity capacity. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk