Federal Minister for Water and Power, Ch Ahmed Mukhtar has claimed that around 45 wind power projects with a total capacity of 3,200 MW are under process in the country while 106MW wind projects are ready for commercial operation.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Pakistan’s first 50 MW wind energy project, minister said that at present 150 MW wind projects are under construction. Next year with an investment of $2 billion, country will see at least ten more projects of wind energy.

The first project started by FFC might be considered the beginning of exploitation of wind energy resources laid in Gharoketi Bandar Wind Corridor. Minister on the occasion said that the area had a total energy generation potential of around 50,000 MW.

Today, we are celebrating launch of the first wind farm in Pakistan, together with our partners in the achievement. I am glad that the Pakistan Post is also with us in celebrating a land mark in our energy sector. In fact, it is collective achievement of all public sector organisations, including the Pakistan Post. Release of a commemorative stamp, indeed shows their commitment in encouraging all those who serve Pakistan with courage and dedication.

Minister also claimed that a comprehensive plan had been made to change the energy mix to provide cheaper energy to the consumers. It is worth mentioning here that the prevailing energy mix in the country after completion of 5 years time of Pakistan People’s Party consists more of oil that is much costlier as compared to any other source.

Minister whereas kept on claiming that the present government added more generation in the national grid by completing thermal and small hydro plants. “I am glad that we all acted in right direction, on a right moment, with strong will to succeed”, he said.

Having seen the success in wind sector, I look forward to the AEDBs contributions in other sectors of renewable energy as well. I am also told that the next year will see similar success in the projects from “Waste to Energy”, “Small Hydro” and “Sugar Co-generation”, he added.

Fauji Fertilizer will be adding 10 MW solar PV to this 50 MW wind project, making this a hybrid-base-load plant. Minister said that he had asked Nepra to announce feed-in-tariff for the solar plants early.

CEO, AEDB Arif Allauddin earlier in his welcome address said that the country would see more new projects in the alternative energy sector. Managing Director of FFC, Khalid Naeem Lodhi also spoke on the occasion and said that the company is planning to invest more capital in the power sector and other wind project with the collaboration of China is under construction and soon would be completed. Earlier, The Minister launched the commemorative postal stamp on the inauguration of the first wind power project.