ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif said yesterday that the government was negotiating with India and Iran for importing electricity to meet the energy crisis.
In a written reply, the minister said that some projects were under consideration including two projects of import of 1,174 megawatts (MWs) from Iran; CASA 1,000 MW and import of power from India.
About import of power from India, the minister stated that in April 2011, India proposed to sell electricity to Pakistan.
“As a consequence commerce secretary-level talks were held between Pakistan and India on April 27-28, 2011 to undertake the assignment of import of electricity from India to Pakistan.”
The statement added that a working group was constituted by the Ministry of Water and Power, government of Pakistan on July 1, 2011 for follow up of commerce secretary talks.
“Pakistan and Indian officials on August 2, 2012 discussed planed to import 500 MW of electricity through high voltage direct current (HVDC) link between the two countries.”
After several meetings, a draft MoU had been prepared and discussed with Indian delegations on June 11, 2013. The NTDC has endorsed the draft MoU. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved the summary for approval of trade with India in electricity.
The minister said that as a first step, an interconnection will be build between Amratsar and Lahore, which will be through either 400KV DC or 500KV DC. The MoU is subject to approval of all relevant ministries, departments and agencies of both governments, where after it will be signed jointly by both governments, he added.
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