Renewable Energy Can Replace Conventional Energy: CEO AEDB

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 02nd Nov, 2016 ) : Renewable energy can replace the conventional energy in Pakistan to a large extent if the existing potential is duly exploited. There is a vast base of solar and windmill energy.

"Denmark meets her 100 percent energy needs with renewable energy. Also exports surplus energy," Amjad Ali Awan, Chief Executive Officer, Alternative Energy Development board (AEDB) said while briefing the media here on Wednesday.

He was accompanied by AEDB's Director Wind, Naeem Memon. Muhammad Naeem Qureshi, who is making advocacy for renewable energy was also present. AEDB's CEO said private sector in Pakistan had been involved in alternate energy sector since 1994 and was increasing its share with the passage of time despite various technical and infrastructure challenges.

He said National Transmission Company would have to enhance its capacity to carry more energy being added from different renewable energy projects. By the end of 2018, he continued, 3000 MW of renewable energy would be added to the national grid.

Giving the details, AEDB's Director Wind, Naeem Memon said 12 windmill projects in Sindh were supplying 590 MW the national grid for last more than two years.

Another windmill project of 50MW was ready and would start its supply next month.

Two more projects -- 100MW and 50MW - would start power supply in June 2017. Six windmill projects of 50 MW each would be giving production before end of 2018, he said. He said that of the total 19 windmill projects, 6 were set up and run by Turkish and Chinese companies, and the rest were in the hands of local private investors.

Major source of their finances were International Finance Company, Asian Development Bank, OPIC of USA, Bank of China and Chinese ICBC Bank. Memon said in solar sector, four projects of 100 MW each at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Cholistan, South Punjab, were supplying 400MW to the national grid.

Another six projects 100 MW each were in the pipeline there. He informed that bagasse renewable energy (from fossil of sugarcane) was being generated by Sugar Mills, mostly in South Punjab and Northern Sindh.