EPP Progress Report: January – February 2012

The project's primary objective is to support the Government of Pakistan (GOP) in power generation, transmission, and related policy reform activities. Key activities include providing monitoring and implementation support to six signature energy projects, announced by the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. These projects, when completed, will add more than 888 MW to Pakistan's generation capacity. As of February 2012, a total of 423 MWs have been added to Pakistan's grid. EPP is also providing technical support to the Ministry of Water and Power (MWP) for identifying and selecting new generation and transmission projects. Examples include import of electricity from Central Asian Republics to Pakistan through Afghanistan and providing analytical support for projects such as Step 1 Due Diligence for Diamer Basha, Kurram Tangi, Warsak, and Mangla Dam Projects. EPP is monitoring the implementation of six Fixed Amount Reimbursable Agreement (FARA) projects, three existing thermal GENCO power plants (Muzaffargarh, Guddu, and Jamshoro), one existing hydropower (Tarbela), and two new multipurpose dams (Gomal Zam and Satpara). The project is also coordinating with implementing partners to achieve timely progress and the processing of invoices for reimbursement to the GOP from USAID. The rehabilitation of Tarbela Hydropower Plant under FARA has achieved a total gain of 118 MW after the modernization/replacement of windings at Unit 1 & 4. Replacement/installation work on the third and last winding at Unit 3 was initiated in February 2012 and is expected to be completed in May 2012. Procurement of remaining equipment, namely, pumps, digital governors, and SCADA system, is under process. The Gomal Zam Multipurpose Dam under Activity Agreement has made significant progress, with the installation of transmission line towers in progress. Towers have been installed over a distance of 54 km, with 90% completion achieved. Main Dam and Spillway concrete and related works along with mechanical testing of dam fixtures are 100% complete. Hydropower and Switchyard component is 97% complete. The project has also supported the development of an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) for the rehabilitation work under FARA. The EMMP was approved by the USAID Mission Environmental Officer and is being implemented by the WAPDA Environmental Cell. Additionally, a second batch of six engineers successfully completed a 4-week training course at Andritz Hydro, Switzerland, on operations, monitoring, and maintenance of hydel plants.