ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Saturday said the government has allocated Rs 380 billion for power sector in next fiscal year budget to generate around 10,000 MW of additional electricity by March 2018.
Addressing a post-budget press conference here, he said, out of the total amount, Rs 130 billion will come from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Replying a question, he said, there was a considerable decrease in loadshedding across the country.
He said, the situation is improving gradually and hoped with the completion of ongoing projects, it will totally be controlled.
Meanwhile, according to budget document, besides Diamir-Bhasha and Dasu dams, Rs 61 billion have been allocated for Neelam Jhelum Hydro power project, having capacity of 969 MW, while Rs 16.5 billion have been allocated for completion of Tarbela-IV Extension Hydro Power Project with a capacity of 1410 MW.
Rs 60 billion have been allocated for two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plants in Bloki and Haveli Bahadur Shah. Both projects will produce 2,400 MW electricity.
Other projects for which allocations have been made including two Karachi Nuclear Coastal Power Projects (2,200 MW) with China’s assistance, Chashma Civil Nuclear Power Project (600 MW), Golan Gol Hydro Power Project (106 MW), evacuation of power from wind power projects at Jhimpir and Gharo Wind Clusters, interconnection of Chashma Nuclear Power Plants III and IV.
The broad-based configuration of pipeline projects based on a number of hydel, coal, wind energy and nuclear fuels will correct the energy mix to provide inexpensive electricity to the people. The improvement of the transmission and distribution system will reduce the system losses.
