USAID Energy Policy Program Monthly Report - August 2013

Current key activities include providing monitoring and implementation support to the following six signature energy projects, announced by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. These projects include four repair and maintenance projects (three GENCOs and Tarbela) with total funding of $70.73 million, and two multipurpose dam completion projects (Gomal Zam and Satpara) with total funding of $71 million. When completed, these projects will add more than 863MW to Pakistan's generating capacity. As of August 2013, a total of 913 MW have been added to Pakistan's electricity grid through USAID funding. The EPP is also providing technical support to the Ministry of Water and Power (MWP) to identify and select new generation and transmission projects. Examples include potential imports of electricity from the Central Asian Republics to Pakistan through Afghanistan, and providing analytical support for projects such as Step 1 & II Due Diligence for the Kurram Tangi Project. In addition, the EPP is supporting generation and transmission-related studies and policy reform activities assigned by USAID. These include developing GENCO and NTDC business plans, developing policies and procedures for the National Power Control Center, and advisory services at MWP and the Planning Commission (Energy Wing), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources (MPNR). The EPP is comprised of 85% Pakistani and 15% international staff, with a total USAID funding of $136.731 million for six signature energy projects and $14.893 million for EPP Phase II. The rehabilitation work to date has resulted in the restoration of 128 MW at Tarbela Hydropower plant. Work under the FARA is scheduled to be completed by December 2014. The EPP is providing monitoring and implementation support for the six Government-to-Government signature energy projects, which include rehabilitation of three thermal power plants (Muzaffargarh, Guddu, and Jamshoro) and one hydropower plant (Tarbela Dam), and construction of two new multipurpose dams (Gomal Zam Dam and Satpara Dam). Total USG funding for these projects is $141.731 million, with estimated gains in generating capacity up to 863MW. As of August 2013, 913 MW have been added to Pakistan's national grid. The EPP has conducted a field visit to Tarbela hydro power plant to monitor the progress of rehabilitation works and to discuss delays faced in the procurement of SCADA system. The EPP recommended that high-level efforts are required to achieve the completion by December 2014 and advised WAPDA to expedite the procurement. The installation of digital governor at Unit 9 was completed in June, however, installation on the remaining units has been put on hold due to the high demand of electricity in the summer season and will resume in October. The EPP has also provided technical support to the Ministry of Water and Power (MWP) to identify and select new generation and transmission projects. Examples include potential imports of electricity from the Central Asian Republics to Pakistan through Afghanistan, and providing analytical support for projects such as Step 1 & II Due Diligence for the Kurram Tangi Project. The EPP is supporting generation and transmission-related studies and policy reform activities assigned by USAID, including developing GENCO and NTDC business plans, developing policies and procedures for the National Power Control Center, and advisory services at MWP and the Planning Commission (Energy Wing), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources (MPNR).