LAHORE: Delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Alternate Executive Directors visited WAPDA House to discuss financing opportunities in projects of Water and Power Development Authority.

Delegation was briefed that Pakistan possesses about 70,000 MW identified potential of hydropower generation. WAPDA owns and operates 22 hydel power stations with cumulative generation capacity of 9459 MW, which will be more than double with phased completion of its ongoing projects from 2025 to 2028-29, adding about 10,000 MW clean, green and economically most affordable electricity. WAPDA plans to improve ratio of low-cost hydel electricity in national grid from existing 29 percent to 40 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050. Delegation was informed about progress on ADB-funded WAPDA projects namely Naulong Dam Multi-purpose Project, Kurram Tangi Dam Stage-II and Patan Hydropower Project. WAPDA’s development portfolio consisting of under-construction and ready-for-construction projects including Mohmand Dam, Diamer Basha Dam and Keyal Khwar were also presented to ADB delegation for consideration of financial assistance.

Appreciating institutional strength of WAPDA, delegation showed interest in exploring ways and means to enhance financing of upcoming WAPDA projects. WAPDA Chairman Engr Lt Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani, member (Finance), GM (projects) South and project directors of various WAPDA projects, GM (C&M) Water, GM Finance (Water/Power), Advisor (Hydro Resource Management) WAPDA and Advisor (Hydro Planning) WAPDA attended.