Vestas Wind Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Sindh in the Punjab province of Pakistan for developing pilot wind projects in the country.
On behalf of Punjab government, Additional Secretary Energy Department Khalid Awais Raja signed the agreement, while Vice President of the Vestas, Gerard Carew signed on behalf of Denmark.
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Ambassador of Denmark Jespar Moller Sorensen were also present on the occasion.
Under the agreement, Vestas will provide engineering and technical services to the Government of Sindh, undertaking developmental activities for 100 MW wind farm initially which can be expanded further to 300 MW in later stages.
During the initial stage, four pilot projects will be developed by the company for which Punjab government will provide all facilities.
Every pilot project will have the potential of generating up to 250 megawatt electricity. Besides, the development work at four potential locations will be completed on war-footing.
In addition, Vestas will also participate in equity and arrange debt financing for the project.
Punjab Chief Minister said that these projects will be completed expeditiously and in a transparent manner with the cooperation of Denmark which will prove to be a milestone in overcoming the energy crisis in the province.
The ambassador of Denmark pointed out that a great deal of potential exists for generating over 1000 megawatts of electricity from wind in the north and south of Punjab.
Vestas has been a first mover in Pakistan, having supplied turbines to one of the first commercial wind farms now in operation.
The Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad has played an important role in helping Vestas implement its market growth plan by arranging several conferences on wind energy in Pakistan.
The province has a huge potential for wind energy to contribute in the national grid. Pakistan’s energy crisis can be overcome by taking advantage of the wind energy resource.
Sabeena Wahid
[email protected]