The ADB director said that the bank was already providing financial assistance for power distribution enhancement project and would continue its support for the project to improve energy efficiency. — File Photo

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed support for power sector reforms, energy efficiency and improvement and energy conservation programme in Pakistan.Rune Strom, Director Energy of ADB reiterated that the bank will provide financial assistance for free distribution of 30 million energy saver bulbs (CFLs) in the country.

He was talking to the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar here on Monday. A three-member ADB delegation called by him here in his chamber at Parliament House.

The ADB director said that the bank was already providing financial assistance for power distribution enhancement project and would continue its support for the project to improve energy efficiency. Transmission and distribution system and energy loss reduction programme is also being funded by ADB for all the distribution companies. The bank is also taking up a tube-well efficiency plan.

He briefed the current status of the project and stated that the bidding process for 20 million energy saver has been almost completed. These energy savers would help reduce peak hours demand over 1000 MW. He also said the bank would support the energy conservation initiatives of the government.

The Minister for Water and Power appreciated the role of ADB for improvement in energy sector and said the support of the bank for energy efficiency programme would help save energy and reduce transmission and distribution losses.

He asked the ADB to help in the tubewell efficiency programme by replacing existing motor pumps with new improved ones.

The minister also asked for providing guarantee facility for wind power projects. The minister also briefed the delegation regarding new energy sector improvement initiatives like operation and maintenance contract of Generation companies through private sector and conversion of existing IPPs to cheaper fuels.

The ADB director also discussed current status of power sector reforms, energy efficiency programmes, central power purchasing agency, independence of distribution companies, and proposed amendments to the Nepra act.

The minister also assured that efforts would be made to timely complete the existing projects being funded by the ADB.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary of Water and Power Imtiaz Kazi, MD NTDC and CEO Alternate Energy Development Board.