In-focus

Business

AEDB signs 56MW wind project with Turk company

Dunya News

Pakistan and Turkey have signed documents for setting up of first ever 56.4 MW wind power project.

Signing ceremony was held at office of Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) where representatives of AEDB and Zorlu Energy signed the documents. The equipment’s and turbines for the project have been arrived in Karachi and construction has already been started.Addressing on the occasion, the Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar appreciated the Turkish investors and said that Zorlu is the company who is pioneer in the wind power project in Pakistan.He said that as the project has completed all of its legal and financial formalities and started construction.This is very remarkable day that 56.4 MW will be in the national grid by December 2012. Pakistan has always welcomed the Turkish investors and facilitated them.He said lots of other Turkish companies are keen to invest in the power sector which shows confidence on Government policies.The government is offering upfront tariff for wind and would provide land for the projects and in this regard ministry has directed provincial government of Sindh to provide land to Turkish companies at reasonable rates to promote investment in the country.He appreciated the future plan of the Zorlu to further invest in the wind power to generate 200 MW. Talking about the issues of management in DISCOs federal minister said that distribution companies are not following the given quota and every company wants to give more supply to its consumers which creates problems and resulted into power outages.He said that without discipline any system can not work therefore action would be taken against responsible in Discos.Turkish Ambassador while addressing the ceremony said that like Zorlu, other Turkish companies are also investing in Pakistan. He said Turkey will join hands with Pakistan to help in the energy sector in Pakistan. During the visit of Turkish Prime minister last week, Turkey has ensured to help Pakistan in every sector to enhance bilateral and economic ties.The representatives of Zorlu said that the project would be completed by December 2012. He thanked the Minister and AEDB for giving full cooperation due to this the project is being executed.