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6,020 megawatts of additional power generation capacity to the national grid by December

ghazi52

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Mar 21, 2007
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Payments released for adding 6,020 MW

ISLAMABAD: The government is making expedited full payments to the power projects to deliver about 6,020 megawatts of additional power generation capacity to the national grid by December to announce zero loadshedding before it goes to polls next year.

The prime minister himself was keeping track of progress on about 25 small-to-large power units that authorities concerned have presented to him with timelines for completion latest by December 2017, a senior official at the PM Office told Dawn.

Mainly because of this reason, the government has released almost full amounts allocated for the power sector in the current year budget and the prime minister had made it clear to all agencies and ministries concerned to deliver on the promise, the official added.

The government had allocated Rs60 billion for two LNG-based power projects for the current year and entire amount was disbursed to the execution agencies before mid-February. Out of Rs130.4bn allocated for this year, the Planning Commission has already released Rs129.5bn as of May 10, leaving behind only Rs924 million for disbursement before the financial year ends on June 30.

Of the total targeted addition of 6,020MW, the prime minister is pushing for completion of 11 units before the end of June involving 3,242MW generation capacity. These include 760MW from Bhikki LNG project, revival of 335MW of old Guddu Thermal, 800MW from Haveli Bahadur Shah LNG project, 315MW of Chashma Nuclear, and 660MW of Sahiwal Coal plant.

Smaller Patrind Hydropower projects of 147MW, two bagasse-based projects of 41 and 36MW from Layyah Sugar Mills and Al-Moiz Industries are also targeted for completion by end-June. Likewise, a 50MW plant of Sachal Wind Energy and 100MW of United Energy Limited would also come on stream in May and June.

Another 14 units are planned to start power generation in December. However, the 969MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project is not among the list of projects expected to be completed this year, the official said.

The official said two units of 400MW each from Balloki LNG project would come into production in August and September, followed by a REDSIP small hydropower project of 16MW in November. This would be followed by completion of 660MW Sahiwal Coal plant, 400MW each unit of Bhikki, Balloki and Haveli Bahadur Shah and first 660MW unit of Port Qasim Coal project of Saifur Rehman fame in December.

Among hydropower projects expected for completion in December include a 470MW unit of Tarbela 4th Extension and Golen Gol of 35MW besides renewable projects of Shahtaj Sugar, Hamza Sugar, Harrappa Solar and AJ Solar Power of capacities below 30MW each.

The official said the prime minister had made it clear to the respective agencies and their top brass that he wanted to declare an end to loadshedding by December and would not tolerate any slippages.

The official agreed that some of the projects required extensive testing before declaring their commercial operation date (COD) in legal terms before committing completion of trial runs and also in the process test sustainability of the transmission and distribution system before coming up with a fresh deadline to avoid another embarrassment.

He said most of the transmission line projects were foreign funded and the lending agencies had also disbursed their committed funds.

In a recent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, the prime minister repeatedly told the participants that he was not ready to allow an extension in the deadline for completion of important generation and transmission projects beyond December.

An official, however, explained that loadshedding would continue in some rural areas and “security-wise challenging parts” of the country on ‘high-loss-low-recovery grounds’, even though the government would officially declare no loadshedding for areas were recoveries were in ‘acceptable region’.

Minister for Water and Power Khwaja Asif had recently told the prime minister that a programme for power system constraints resolution was currently in full swing and would be completed by December.
 
1. The article missed 660 MW of Sahiwal Coal-based power plant's second unit.
2. This PML-N government can not and will not end load-shedding.
3. Due to recovery issues in certain areas, it is expected that load-shedding would continue, even if there was enough capacity. I bet that some of the older plants are ready to retire and would be shut down to save costs. I do not have a list, but plants with lesser efficiency would be on last priority for production.
4. Addition of at least one large hydro-powered project (in addition to Neelum-Jhelum) is a must. As soon as the prices of oil and gas climb, Pakistan would be in deep trouble.
 
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Is anything done about our power transmission lines and method, theft of power by locals without paying, debt owed to power companies not being paid.

Of course power generation is important but it seems we are not focusing on some of the other issues, transmission lines in particular
 
1. The article missed 660 MW of Sahiwal Coal-based power plant's second unit.
2. This PML-N government can not and will not end load-shedding.
3. Due to recovery issues in certain areas, it is expected that load-shedding would continue, even if there was enough capacity. I bet that some of the older plants are ready to retire and would be shut down to save costs. I do not have a list, but plants with lesser efficiency would be on last priority for production.
4. Addition of at least one large hydro-powered project (in addition to Neelum-Jhelum) is a must. As soon as the prices of oil and gas climb, Pakistan would be in deep trouble.

zero reforms in any sector, govt was lucky that gas prices fell and it allowed it to add LNG but if oil prices go up, gas will automatically go up(they are linked) and thus will be back in "circular debt", coal was only smart move they did which PPPP was not allowing as they were insisting companies to do just thar

otherwise even though we had very high hype of reforms, infact per their manifesto they even mentioned an open market for power purchase for all individuals, forget that they even dont allow open purchase of gas by large industries

the mix of low oil prices and infrastructure push by china in Pakistan, bangladesh, myanmar lead to growth increasing from 3-4% in PPPP era (apart from massive floods year in 2009) to 5%.
This is summary, facts are brutally honest, govt was able to fool people by renaming a pure chinese OBOR project into CPEC lol

pakistan-gdp-growth.png


20130921_INC441.png
and this is what was happening int he rest of the world

its so unfortunate that even educated class has been sucessffully fooled by PPPP and especially PML N

they still believe that METROs and Roads are going to change our future, when it doesnt, Egypt lies in the world biggest "corridor" has it changed anything with lack of reforms , education

but look at south korea, in an eternal conflict with one of the world largest standing army and has emerged a super power though it was poorer than us in 1970-70s
 
Cowards can not do reforms; not meaningful ones, that is.

Sometimes I feel so angry about this PML-N government. Then I look at the alternatives and get a mental depression.we, as a people, desreve this government. Chalo at least Neelum-Jhelum & Tarbela 4th extension would be done. I guess one could thank God for that.
 
Cowards can not do reforms; not meaningful ones, that is.

Sometimes I feel so angry about this PML-N government. Then I look at the alternatives and get a mental depression.we, as a people, desreve this government. Chalo at least Neelum-Jhelum & Tarbela 4th extension would be done. I guess one could thank God for that.
Both delayed and both of the fininical closure attained by previous govt. I would give pppp 60% credit for projects . if you give me 10 lac rupees and tell ne to buy a mehran where does the credit lay. Financial closure is toughest part and to pppp credit they got 110% fianancing from WB. they even got 1(loan)+1 B(grantees) $ credit for dasu from WB which was needless delayed
 
The problem.with this analysis is that oil prices are not going to up in future....due to frackling and alternate energy issues...

So in essence.you both concede that pmln is.on right track
Nope. I am doing nothing of the sort.

Are you an oil price expert?
 
Both delayed and both of the fininical closure attained by previous govt. I would give pppp 60% credit for projects . if you give me 10 lac rupees and tell ne to buy a mehran where does the credit lay. Financial closure is toughest part and to pppp credit they got 110% fianancing from WB. they even got 1(loan)+1 B(grantees) $ credit for dasu from WB which was needless delayed

Why did Neelam fail? Because PPP government didn't do proper planning before starting working on it. Result cost kept increasing to $5 billion along with delays. There are many projects from Musharraf era which will be completed in current term because N have increased funds for them, ISB airport, Balochistan highways, Lowari Tunel, Kacchi Canal etc

While Tarbela IV will be completed on time. This is huge difference I see between previous and current government. Completion of projects and not just planning.
 
Why did Neelam fail? Because PPP government didn't do proper planning before starting working on it. Result cost kept increasing to $5 billion along with delays. There are many projects from Musharraf era which will be completed in current term because N have increased funds for them, ISB airport, Balochistan highways, Lowari Tunel, Kacchi Canal etc

While Tarbela IV will be completed on time. This is huge difference I see between previous and current government. Completion of projects and not just planning.
tarbela IV will not be completed on time despite paying additional money, tarbela V is delayed from original time frame
cost went up for NJ because mushi started it without financial closure, later closure was obtained at end of PPPP era so yes PPPP did screwed up NJ but most blame goes to previous govt who started the project without doing so
biggest incompetence however was done in delaying dasu and not arranging funds for bhasha dam

as i always i do think PML N did better than PPPP but only in some aspects not dramatically better as people portrait it. this is evident by minimum growth increase (from 3.8 to around 5 despite historic low oil prices), marginal increase in tax collection despite heavy taxation, fall in total number of tax payers and on going problems in power, gas, lack of reforms(still not in top 100 countries with ease of doing business), govt loss making entities, FALLING exports, still falling FDI despite security situation showing dramatic imporvement etc

this is co relates with WB, AB and IMF reports that no major reforms were done and their is huge risk of low long term growth
 
The problem.with this analysis is that oil prices are not going to up in future....due to frackling and alternate energy issues...

So in essence.you both concede that pmln is.on right track
I really thunk they might hit the 70s. Though you are right.will not go higher than that. But we already saw the prices go up from 40 to 50. Even at 70s going to be an issue.
Problems with alternative energy is nuclear is going of favour and unless we solve the energy storage problem(wind,solar) fossils are going to stay
 
tarbela IV will not be completed on time despite paying additional money, tarbela V is delayed from original time frame
cost went up for NJ because mushi started it without financial closure, later closure was obtained at end of PPPP era so yes PPPP did screwed up NJ but most blame goes to previous govt who started the project without doing so
biggest incompetence however was done in delaying dasu and not arranging funds for bhasha dam

as i always i do think PML N did better than PPPP but only in some aspects not dramatically better as people portrait it. this is evident by minimum growth increase (from 3.8 to around 5 despite historic low oil prices), marginal increase in tax collection despite heavy taxation, fall in total number of tax payers and on going problems in power, gas, lack of reforms(still not in top 100 countries with ease of doing business), govt loss making entities, FALLING exports, still falling FDI despite security situation showing dramatic imporvement etc

this is co relates with WB, AB and IMF reports that no major reforms were done and their is huge risk of low long term growth

Zia sb, reform requires alignment of major power centers. Do you see it? I and you both know that Pakistan needs to dump Pakistan Steel Mills ASAP. PIA needs to be off-loaded faster than an electron jumping its orbit. OGDC and other SOEs need to be gotten rid of. But do you see it happening?

The first step in power sector reforms is to bring down the incidence of power theft. Reportedly the agricultural sector in Balochistan is running tube wells on stolen electricity. HESCO's performance also tells a story of incompetence & collusion on the local level. Do you see how this situation can be changed?

These are the reforms most experts talk about. But imagine sitting government talking of selling PSM (which has NO chance of being profitable in foreseeable future), and PPP and MQM start having heart attacks. PTI also joins the chorus. Same for all the jiyala-stuffed SOEs like PIA, Pakistan Railways, OGDC, etc.... So, unless there is a unity of purpose, how can a government racked with scandals and political instability deal with these issues? We could only deal with these if the political parties and powerful state institutions were committed to stability and need for reform. When we have power-hungry would-be reformers and a varied collection of assorted thieves (PPP, ANP, PML-N, also PTI) committed to single-minded pursuit of power and money, how can you realistically hope for reform? It will not happen unless the stake-holders realize that the game has to be played with some rules and within the ambit of the constitution.

Jiyalas of all parties and their respective social media teams be damned. There is no discourse possible because having it means applying logic, rationale, expertise, & rising above petty political interests. Do you see that happening any time soon?

Just so that someone may consider me an apologist for the current PML-N government, I do concede that the ruling party is compromised for sure. Electricity thieves in Punjab are friends of the current government's politicians. Therefore I am resigned to seeing reforms happening at a snail's pace while mega projects sprout here and there.
 
Zia sb, reform requires alignment of major power centers. Do you see it? I and you both know that Pakistan needs to dump Pakistan Steel Mills ASAP. PIA needs to be off-loaded faster than an electron jumping its orbit. OGDC and other SOEs need to be gotten rid of. But do you see it happening?

The first step in power sector reforms is to bring down the incidence of power theft. Reportedly the agricultural sector in Balochistan is running tube wells on stolen electricity. HESCO's performance also tells a story of incompetence & collusion on the local level. Do you see how this situation can be changed?

These are the reforms most experts talk about. But imagine sitting government talking of selling PSM (which has NO chance of being profitable in foreseeable future), and PPP and MQM start having heart attacks. PTI also joins the chorus. Same for all the jiyala-stuffed SOEs like PIA, Pakistan Railways, OGDC, etc.... So, unless there is a unity of purpose, how can a government racked with scandals and political instability deal with these issues? We could only deal with these if the political parties and powerful state institutions were committed to stability and need for reform. When we have power-hungry would-be reformers and a varied collection of assorted thieves (PPP, ANP, PML-N, also PTI) committed to single-minded pursuit of power and money, how can you realistically hope for reform? It will not happen unless the stake-holders realize that the game has to be played with some rules and within the ambit of the constitution.

Jiyalas of all parties and their respective social media teams be damned. There is no discourse possible because having it means applying logic, rationale, expertise, & rising above petty political interests. Do you see that happening any time soon?

Just so that someone may consider me an apologist for the current PML-N government, I do concede that the ruling party is compromised for sure. Electricity thieves in Punjab are friends of the current government's politicians. Therefore I am resigned to seeing reforms happening at a snail's pace while mega projects sprout here and there.

1.what major powers??
PML N has clear majority, a single entity govt, i remember when it was elected, on this forum i clearly said "PML N will not have the excuse of PPPP that it didnt carry majority,a multiparty/allied govt and hence diminished power", so if no reforms are done the fault purely lies with PML N none else can be blamed for it, i dare say that without a doubt this has been the strongest govt in pakistan history
2. PIA, steels mills, DESCO, and pakistan railways half a dozen other entities that were named in PML N manifesto for privatization were halted after PML N came into being, a lame process was started to fool IMF which they were able to.
3. these institution itself are causing a loss equivalent to 2% of GDP but will not be privatized as they are major source of political scoring and corruption, its matter of 400 billion rupees
4. power production that govt boast about so much went up from 15500 peak in summer of 2012 to 1700mw. a phenomenal achievement i will say, now its clear what i said a year ago, load shedding or gas shedding is not going to end. govt might simply boast up production so its minumum just before election and claim an end but it would be temp

so year one i was very much optimistic, we saw ghaddani coal project, swift sense of reforms, paying circular debt immediately, liberal initial reforms but it turn out that was just done to fool IMF,
by year 2 i was still hopeful, year 3 i was skeptical and year 4 now pure frustration, to see how it successfully fooled us. CPEC is what it states but nothing more than that.

now circular debt is same level, the fiscal deficit PMLN so boast about is the same if you remove the last minute payment that PML paid retrospectively and put it in the books of PPPP govt,
if the next govt say PTI/PPPP does the same it will again by 7-8% lol

in last 20 years apart from mushi govt no major reforms were done, and hence the major growth push in across multiple sectors and exports at that time.

guess what exports will remain at all time low levels and lowest in Pakistan history if compared to GDP
at 21.7 billion $, current account deficit at all time high level
 
Zia sb, reform requires alignment of major power centers. Do you see it? I and you both know that Pakistan needs to dump Pakistan Steel Mills ASAP. PIA needs to be off-loaded faster than an electron jumping its orbit. OGDC and other SOEs need to be gotten rid of. But do you see it happening?

The first step in power sector reforms is to bring down the incidence of power theft. Reportedly the agricultural sector in Balochistan is running tube wells on stolen electricity. HESCO's performance also tells a story of incompetence & collusion on the local level. Do you see how this situation can be changed?

These are the reforms most experts talk about. But imagine sitting government talking of selling PSM (which has NO chance of being profitable in foreseeable future), and PPP and MQM start having heart attacks. PTI also joins the chorus. Same for all the jiyala-stuffed SOEs like PIA, Pakistan Railways, OGDC, etc.... So, unless there is a unity of purpose, how can a government racked with scandals and political instability deal with these issues? We could only deal with these if the political parties and powerful state institutions were committed to stability and need for reform. When we have power-hungry would-be reformers and a varied collection of assorted thieves (PPP, ANP, PML-N, also PTI) committed to single-minded pursuit of power and money, how can you realistically hope for reform? It will not happen unless the stake-holders realize that the game has to be played with some rules and within the ambit of the constitution.

Jiyalas of all parties and their respective social media teams be damned. There is no discourse possible because having it means applying logic, rationale, expertise, & rising above petty political interests. Do you see that happening any time soon?

Just so that someone may consider me an apologist for the current PML-N government, I do concede that the ruling party is compromised for sure. Electricity thieves in Punjab are friends of the current government's politicians. Therefore I am resigned to seeing reforms happening at a snail's pace while mega projects sprout here and there.


No bureaucrat/politician trims his own fat willingly. First, its a pain for them. Second, even if the reforms are successful, the bureaucrat/politicians won't get extra votes or win any popularity contest. They may even get hammered the next election cycle. So why touch the subject of reforms at all?
 

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