Wapda, UAE group join hands to address energy crisis in Pakistan

Amid the ongoing power crisis being faced by the country, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum’s private office on Sunday inked two significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to undertake strategic projects in Pakistan’s energy sector.

The first MoU focuses on the development of a floating solar power project of up to 1000MW on existing water reservoirs, while the second MoU aims at rehabilitating, upgrading, and enhancing the capacity of four hydro power projects, namely Renala, Rasul, Chichokimalian, and Nandipur.

Under these agreements, the parties will assess the technical and economic feasibility of the projects and formulate an implementation plan.

Furthermore, they intend to approach the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) promptly to seek a tariff structure for floating solar power projects. This step is crucial in facilitating the necessary investments outlined in the MoUs and providing support for the planned ventures.

Wapda Chairman lieutenant general (retd) Sajjad Ghani and Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum have expressed their shared interest and enthusiasm for collaboration on long-term projects in Pakistan’s energy sector, specifically emphasising the development of renewable energy solutions.

The MoUs establish a cooperative framework between the private office and Wapda, facilitating collaboration and exploration of investment opportunities, particularly in WAPDA’s small hydro power projects.

The portfolio of the private office encompasses a range of privately and publicly held group companies, which primarily operate in sectors such as 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. Furthermore, the private office has expanded its involvement in the infrastructure sector by recently forming a joint venture with AD Ports Group, focusing on the operation and management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited.