Govt exploring cheap sources of energy to overcome power shortage: Asif

ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP): Minister for Water and Power Khawaja
Muhammad Asif Wednesday said the government was exploring cheap sources of energy including Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) to overcome power shortage in
the country.
Answering the questions of media and stakeholders in a seminar
on ‘Pakistan LNG Import’, he asked to avoid misleading facts and figures
on the power projects.
The minister said he was ready for accountability. Several detailed
debates have already been held on power projects at various forums
including Senate and relevant Standing Committees.
The Ministry of Water and Power would organise a seminar for
clearing the misunderstandings and apprehensions about the power
generation projects, he said.
There is no corruption in any power generation project, adding,
any person having any proof of alleged corruption should approach
to Supreme Court for probe.
He said a total of over 40,000 MW hydel power would be
generated in next 20 years. As many as 4000 MW hydel power would be
added in national grid by 2010-21.
Responding to a question, he said Nandipur Power Generation
Project was being run by GENCO III and efforts are underway to run the
project on full capacity. Nandipur would be shifted to gas within a
period of one year, he added.
He said provinces, industrial estates and Independent Power Producers
(IPPs) have been authorised to import LNG on their own.