Pak's pioneering solar venture attracts global attention in Bangkok Road Show
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Monday organized a day-long Road Show in Bangkok, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan's energy sector, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to reports, the event focused on the groundbreaking 300 MW Floating Solar Project, a pioneering initiative set to revolutionize Pakistan's renewable energy landscape.
The primary objective of the Road Show was to foster increased competition among potential bidders for the project.
Notably, 58 delegates from 50 prestigious international firms participated in the event.
Among the distinguished attendees were Chairman WAPDA, Engr Lt Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani, Pakistan’s Charge d’ Affairs in Thailand, Yasir Hussain, representatives from the World Bank, senior WAPDA officials, and project consultants.
Expressing gratitude to the delegates, Chairman Sajjad Ghani emphasized the substantial business opportunities the floating solar project presents to contracting firms through transparent international competitive bidding.
He underscored WAPDA's robust asset base and extensive expertise in implementing mega projects within the water and power sectors.
Ghani expressed eagerness to collaborate with renowned firms to ensure the success of Pakistan's maiden floating solar endeavor.
During the event, WAPDA officials provided comprehensive briefings on the organization's financial standing, collaboration with international financial institutions, and technical details of the 300 MW Floating Solar Project.
A question-answer session facilitated dialogue between participants and WAPDA representatives, addressing inquiries about the project's intricacies.
Before the Bangkok Road Show, WAPDA conducted a Pre-Bid Conference in Pakistan in November last year, underscoring the project's meticulous planning and preparation.
The ambitious 300 MW Floating Solar Project aims to harness clean energy from the Tarbela-Ghazi Barotha Complex, combining innovative floating solar and hydropower hybrid operations. Two 150 MW floating solar plants will be deployed at Tarbela and Ghazi-Barotha Complexes, contributing 484 million units of low-cost electricity annually to the National Grid. The World Bank has expressed interest in financing 95% of the project.
Bidding documents were floated in October 2023 in adherence to the World Bank's procurement guidelines, with a submission deadline set for March 12, 2024.
WAPDA's initiative marks a significant step towards realizing Pakistan's renewable energy goals, showcasing the nation's commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.