Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has accelerated efforts to promote the province’s vast energy potential, strengthen provincial revenues and attract investment in hydropower, oil and gas sectors.
The resolve was expressed at the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Energy and Power, chaired by Provincial Minister for Energy and Power Nazir Ahmad Abbasi. MNA Sher Ali Arbab, MNA Ali Asghar Khan, MNA Dr Amjad Ali Khan, MPAs Asif Khan and Ahmad Karim Kundi and Secretary Energy and Power Nisar Ahmad attended the meeting.
The meeting reviewed ongoing energy projects and discussed measures to further develop the province’s hydropower, oil and gas resources through coordinated efforts and effective engagement at relevant forums.
The Energy Secretary briefed participants that 10 projects of the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) were currently generating 224 megawatts of electricity, generating more than Rs6 billion in annual revenue for the province.
He said a 40-kilometre transmission line was being constructed from Matiltan to Bahrain to facilitate electricity transmission.
The Energy Department had also established the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transmission and Grid System Company (KTandGSC), while a provincial regulatory company on the pattern of NEPRA was being established for electricity tariff regulation.
The meeting was informed that KP possessed significant oil and gas reserves as well as considerable potential for low-cost hydropower generation. Participants stressed the need for effective utilisation of these resources to accelerate economic growth and create new opportunities for investment and employment.
The secretary said the province was currently producing around 500 to 550 million cubic feet of gas daily, while work was also progressing on oil and gas projects, including the Miran Block.
The participants expressed the confidence that development of the energy sector, coupled with greater investment and improved infrastructure, could substantially strengthen the provincial economy over the next six to seven years.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nazir Ahmad Abbasi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was blessed with abundant natural resources and enormous potential for clean and affordable energy generation.
He directed the committee members to adopt a coordinated approach for promoting the province’s energy sector, facilitating investors and exploring new avenues for sustainable development.
The meeting also agreed to further strengthen the Advisory Committee on Energy and Power and continue joint efforts to promote energy development and ensure greater economic benefits for the people of KP.
