ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: The independent power producers (IPPs) will install new power projects of 2300 MW by 2009 to meet current power shortage in the country.

This was stated by caretaker Minister for Water and Power Tariq Hameed while presiding over a meeting held to decide installation of fast track power projects, which could be operational by the end of the current year.

The minister said that another thirteen power projects totalling 3120 MW will be commissioned by the year 2010.

He said there was a rapid growth in economy and an expansion in the industrial sector was being witnessed because of the development reforms of the present government. He observed that there was a need to augment this with in uninterrupted power supply.

“The progress in the power sector is a proof of our commitment towards the development of the country and economic betterment of the people”, he remarked.

The meeting decided to create a capacity of around 1,000-1,200 MW for a period of three to four years to bridge demand and supply gap by 2010.

The meeting among others was attended by the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, additional secretary finance, director general (gas) petroleum and natural resources, director general Board of Investment (BoI), chairman Wapda, managing director Power Projects Infrastructure Board (PPIB), chairman Nepra and MD Pepco.