13 private power projects of $2b to be operational by 2010
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Thirteen private power projects totaling 2456 MWwill be commissioned by the year 2010, out of which 554 MW will be available to the national grid by next year.1343 MW and 559 MW will be injected into the power system in 2009 and 2010respectively, which translates into US$ 2 billion of investment through theprivate sector.
This was announced in the 74th meeting of the Private Power andInfrastructure Board (PPIB) held here on Friday, under the chairmanship of Liaquat Ali Jatoi, Minister for Water and Power.
It was informed that PPIB is currently processing 62 multiple fuel (Oil,Coal, gas and Hydel) power projects having a cumulative capacity of 16,790 MW which are expected to be commissioned from 2008 to 2016. Out of these, Letters of Interest (LoIs) have been issued to 33 projectswith a cumulative capacity of 9,276 MW, Letters of Support (LoSs) have beenissued to 14 projects totaling 2,590 MW, while Implementation Agreements (IAs) have been signed with 10 projects of 2,026 MW.
The projects with whom PPIB has signed IAs include 225 MW Orient Power, 225MW Sapphire Power, 225 MW Saif Power, 165 MW Attock Gen, 202 MW Fauji Mari, 200 MW Nishat Chunian, 200 MW Nishat Power, 225 MW Atlas Power, 134 MW Star Power and 225 MW Halmore Power.
Moreover, IAs of 227 MW Engro Power and 179 MW Gulf Power are ready forsignatures. A number of companies have also concluded the Direct Implementation Agreements with their lenders, while five IPPs namely Orient Power Project, sapphire Power Project, Fauji Mari project, Attock Gen and Saif Power have achieved financial closure, other project sponsors are aggressively working to achieve financial close.The meeting was informed that the IA has also been signed with the 84 MWNew Bong hydel power project which is the first private hydropower project in the country to make such breakthrough, and will make way to other 21 hydropower projects in the pipeline which are being processed by PPIB.
The Board today recommended that the tariff of hydropower projects be rationalized to attract further investment in this sector.
Jatoi said there is a rapid growth in economy, and an expansion in the industrial sector is being witnessed because of the radical development reforms of the present government.
This has to be augmented with an uninterrupted supply of electricity, and the progress in the power sector which is a proof to government commitment towards the development of the country and economic betterment of the people.
The Minister said this is a massive achievement due to the liberal policies of the Government as both the local and foreign investors have shown a keen interest in the power sector.
He appreciated the sincere efforts of PPIB's team, and the quick decision making process of all the Board members of PPIB for working closely for facilitating investors.