USAID Energy Policy Project - II Monthly Progress Report December 2012

The project's main objective is to provide monitoring and implementation support to six signature energy projects announced by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. These projects include the rehabilitation of three thermal power plants (Muzaffargarh, Guddu, and Jamshoro) and one hydropower plant (Tarbela Dam), as well as the construction of two new multipurpose dams (Gomal Zam Dam and Satpara Dam). The EPP is providing technical support to the Ministry of Water and Power (MWP) to identify and select new generation and transmission projects. The project is also 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). As of December 2012, a total of 559 MW have been added to Pakistan's national grid through USAID funding. The project has also made significant progress in the rehabilitation of Tarbela hydropower plant, with a total funding of $82.5 million. The baseline generation capacity of Tarbela hydropower plant was 505 MW, and the project aims to add 128 MW to this capacity. The EPP is also providing monitoring and implementation support for the six signature projects, including the rehabilitation of Muzaffargarh, Guddu, and Jamshoro thermal power plants, and the construction of Gomal Zam and Satpara dams. The project has made significant progress in these areas, with a total of 430.06 MW added to Pakistan's generating capacity as of December 2012. The EPP has a total USAID funding of $136.731 million for the six signature energy projects, with estimated gains in available generating capacity up to 863 MW. The project has a staffing level of 85% Pakistani and 15% international staff, and is located in all provinces and Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The project's activities are focused on providing monitoring and implementation support to the six signature energy projects, as well as supporting generation and transmission-related studies and policy reform activities. The EPP is also providing technical support to the MWP to identify and select new generation and transmission projects. The project has made significant progress in the rehabilitation of Tarbela hydropower plant, with a total funding of $82.5 million. The baseline generation capacity of Tarbela hydropower plant was 505 MW, and the project aims to add 128 MW to this capacity. The project has also made significant progress in the rehabilitation of Muzaffargarh, Guddu, and Jamshoro thermal power plants, and the construction of Gomal Zam and Satpara dams.