President Zardari inaugurates first wind power project in Thatta

Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari today inaugurated the first 50MW wind power project terming it an important milestone and a landmark achievement in country's efforts towards finding environmental-friendly‚ indigenous and low cost energy solutions.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of inauguration of wind power project at Jhampir in Thatta today‚ the President said that with the commencement of the first wind power project‚ Pakistan has entered into a new era. He termed the commencement as the first concrete step towards tapping country's vast Renewable Energy resources. The President remarked that Thatta region was bestowed with immense potential of wind energy and will soon become the Wind Power Center for Pakistan. He said that commencement of commercial operation of FFC Wind Farm was the beginning of exploiting the wind potential of Gharo-Keti Bandar Wind Corridor. This is an area that has power generation potential of 50‚000 MW. He said that it was a matter of great satisfaction to learn that many more wind power projects were in pipeline and would commence commercial operations soon. President Zardari said that Pakistan was an energy deficient country. He said that continued population and economic growth has placed great demands on energy. Reversal of previous energy policies‚ depleting oil and gas reserves and price hike has made the country vulnerable. He said we cannot afford inaction as it was not an option. Complimenting the role of Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) in the project‚ the President said that he looks forward AEDB's contributions in other sectors of Renewable Energy as well. He also expressed satisfaction that Fauji Fertilizer would be adding 10 MW SOLAR PV to this 50 MW Wind project. The President said that the launch of the First Wind Farm was an auspicious occasion which clearly demonstrated the commitment of the government to address the issue. He said that the country has tremendous resources of Wind‚ Solar and Hydro power. The President also recounted various measures undertaken by the Government in the energy sector which included addressing policy and technical issues‚ initiating supportive measures‚ developing infrastructure‚ offering lucrative incentives‚ collecting bankable data‚ creating enabling environment and investor confidence‚ seeking support of international financial institutions‚ and attracting top manufacturers of the world through a cooperative approach. The President said that the Government provided a level playing field to all investors‚ both local as well as foreigners. He said that the Government provided them one window facility through AEDB. The President invited the local and foreign business community again to invest in energy sector saying that we offer the best incentives in the entire region. He called upon the private entrepreneurs to take great advantage of the incentives being offered by the Government. He also advised Sindh Government to set up an industrial zone in the area so that the business community could take advantage of uninterrupted and continued availability of power. The President also stressed upon the need to make appropriate plans and to work keeping in view the future requirements of the country with an increased population and greater requirements.