Target of 55,000MW energy generation set by govt: minister

LAHORE, Feb 22: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Omar Ayub Khan Friday said the government has set target of 55,000MW power generation by 2030 out of which 18,000MW power generation will be generated from renewable resources.

He was speaking on the occasion of inauguration of TSG training Simulator at Technical Services Group (TSG) of National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited, here on Friday.

Deputy Chief of Mission Yusuke SHINDO of Japan jointly inaugurated TSG training Simulator.

The project has been completed with the cooperation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with the cost of Rs one billion. Secretary Power Division Irfan Ali, MD NTDC and JICA representatives were also present.

The minister thanked the government of Japan and JICA for extending assistance for installation of Training Simulator. 

He said that time spent in simulator was never wasted and will benefit and enhance the vision of young engineers of NTDC and DISCOs. However, he said that, he along with the team of power division, including the secretary power, MD NTDC, CEOs DISCOs, working day and night to eliminate constrains of the power sector with improvement in transmission, distribution and generation system.

Transmission and distribution system needed to be corrected, he added.

The minister said that he and the secretary power were making surprise visits to various distribution companies in  Sindh, KPK and Punjab for improvement of the power sector.

He said the government believed in transparency, hence, receiving foreign direct investment (FDI) from various countries and Saudi Arabia, which had shown keenness to invest in the power sector during its recent visit of the KSA Crown Prince to Pakistan.

The minister said that security lines of energy would be controlled and Pakistan would not be dependent on other countries after the establishment of Simulator.

He said that the power infrastructure, transmission lines and distribution system would be upgraded which needed investment of 55 billion dollars.

While comparing the power theft and losses of distribution system during the month of JanJanuary  2018 and January 2019, he said that power theft losses had been reduced to 5.6 per cent and managed to save Rs 10 billion.

He also sought transfer of technology from Japan.

Omar Ayub appreciated the efforts of CEOs of DISCOs for elimination of power theft and improvement in recoveries.

Deputy Chief of Mission  Yusuke SHINDO of Japan applauded the hospitalities extended by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) and NTDC. He vowed to extend financial assistance to Pakistan in coming years.

(APP)