ISLAMABAD, Aug 16: To increase power production, 18 projects are being implemented by Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and three by the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) and these are likely to be commissioned during the next three years.

Replying to a question raised by MNA Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi said a number of hydro/thermal power projects had been planned to cope with the fast growing need of the country.

The computed demand of the power system has increased at the rate of about 10 per cent during the last fiscal years 2005-06.

Three projects in Wapda systems - Malakand-III HPP SHYDO, Addl.GT at Gujranwala Thermal Project System, Shahdara Wapda and Wind Mill Project and Independent Power Project (IPP) will be completed on 2007-08. These projects have capacity to generate 81 MW, 80MW and 100MW electricity respectively.

Fifteen projects in Wapda systems, which will be completed on 2008-09, are CC Plant at Chichoki Mallian with capacity to generate 500MW electricity followed by Attock Power Project IPP with capacity of 150MW, Balloki (Orient) Thermal Project PPI with capacity of 225MW, Star/Jarwar Power Project IPP with capacity of 133MW, Existing IPPs Expansion IPP with capacity of 350MW, KAPCO Extension IPP with capacity of 400MW, Muridke Power Project IPP with capacity of 225MW, Atlas Shirazi IPP with capacity of 225MW, Gulistan Power Project IPP with capacity of 225MW, Nishat Chunian Project IPP with capacity of 200MW, DG Power Project Faisalabad IPP with capacity of 200MW, Sahiwal Power Project IPP with capacity of 200MW, Mari Power Project IPP with capacity of 175MW, Bhikki Power Project IPP with capacity of 225MW and Green Power Project IPP with capacity of 205MW.

Three projects in KESC system are: 4*122 MW open cycle gas turbines with capacity to generate 488MW electricity that will be completed between April-July 2007, steam turbines combined cycle with capacity to generate 342MW electricity, which will be completed in 2008 and DCL plant with 80MW capacity will be completed in March 2007. — Staff Reporter