Omar tells NA: Annual capacity payments to IPPs to reach Rs1.455trn by 2023

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy. Omar Ayub Khan Monday said that $6.5 billion are being thrown into ‘hellfire’ every year to import energy under the head of guaranteed capacity payments – a major source of accumulation of the circular debt – singed by the previous government. Speaking in National Assembly during question hour, Omar said that the annual capacity payments…

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Peshawar UET develops low-cost solar panels

PESHAWAR: The Centre for Advanced Studies and Energy of the University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, has developed solar panels at half the price of the existing silicon ones with the help of international partners by using the third generation solar photovoltaic technology. The lightweight and flexible panels will be formally unveiled this week, principal investigator of the project at…

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Nepra reduces Wapda hydropower tariff by 27.5pc

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Monday determined about 27.5 per cent reduction in average bulk hydroelectric tariff of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) to ensure its revenue stream at Rs124 billion for fiscal year 2020-21. The bulk hydropower tariff at which Wapda sells its power generation from all hydropower stations to the Central Power…

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Spat between PM’s aide, Saudi investor clouds KE deal prospects

ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic turn that may forestall an early settlement of tens of billions of dues between K-Electric and state-owned entities, Saudi investor Abdulaziz H. Aljomaiah and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power Tabish Gauhar publicly accused each other of conflict of interest and attempts to fleece the state and Karachi-based power consumers. In a letter to…

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Integrated mechanism needed to harness water resources

ISLAMABAD: A more integrated mechanism is needed to harness water resources across the country to achieve water, food and energy security, said Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Muzammil Hussain. Briefing a delegation of the National Security Workshop, National Defence University (NDU) on Friday, the chairman said that Wapda had been constructing eight mega projects including Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand…

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KPT asked to widen backup area at port

Businessmen from the shipping industry have called on the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to widen the backup area at Karachi Port for quick offloading and loading of cargo. In a statement on Thursday, Pakistan Stevedores Conference President Tariq Haleem said that free movement of transport was essential for quick discharging and loading of cargo and for the purpose, the backup…

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Ministry moves summary on payments to IPPs

The Power Division has again moved a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) regarding release of payments to Independent Power Plants (IPPs). It moved a summary in the wake of a letter received by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The government had already signed agreements with IPPs to pay Rs403 billion in instalments. The anti-corruption watchdog is currently investigating…

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Experts call for Karachi-specific law for tree protection, plantation

KARACHI: No plantation campaign can increase green cover of the city unless the government enacts a Karachi-specific law for tree protection and plantation and imposes a strict ban on cutting of tree/s, unless it is authorised by an expert committee representing all stakeholders, including the academia. This body should also serve as a legal authority on granting permission for tree…

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