Wapda and the UAE group collaborate to tackle Pakistan’s energy crisis
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the private office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed two significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to address Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis.
The first MoU focuses on the establishment of a floating solar power project, with a capacity of up to 1000MW, on existing water reservoirs. The second MoU aims to rehabilitate, upgrade, and increase the capacity of four hydro power projects: Renala, Rasul, Chichokimalian, and Nandipur.
These agreements involve assessing the technical and economic feasibility of the projects and formulating an implementation plan. Additionally, the parties plan to promptly approach the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to seek a tariff structure for floating solar power projects, which is crucial for attracting necessary investments and providing support for the planned initiatives.
Lieutenant General (Retd) Sajjad Ghani, the Chairman of WAPDA, and Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum expressed their shared interest and enthusiasm for collaborating on long-term projects in Pakistan’s energy sector, particularly focusing on renewable energy solutions.
The MoUs establish a framework for cooperation between the private office and WAPDA, enabling collaboration and exploration of investment opportunities, particularly in WAPDA’s small hydro power projects.
The private office’s portfolio includes privately and publicly held group companies operating primarily in energy (both conventional and renewable), infrastructure, LNG, oil and commodity trading, healthcare, and agriculture.
In Pakistan, the private office has demonstrated its commitment to the energy sector through various investments, including the Oracle Energy Green Hydrogen project. Additionally, they have expanded their involvement in the infrastructure sector by forming a recent joint venture with AD Ports Group, focusing on the operation and management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited.
