Russia to invest in coal-fired thermal power projects

ISLAMABAD: Russian Delegation comprising Eng. Alexey Semenkov, Director of Overseas Projects, M/s. South Centre of Power Engineering PLC (SCPE) ) and Eng. Valery Davydyuk, Deputy General Director & Eng. Dimitry Solodyankin, Deputy General Director, M/s. ECM Thursday called on Chairman Board of Investment BOI, Mohammad Zubair and expressed willingness to invest in 500-600 MW coal-fired thermal power projects.

Semenkov apprised that SCPE is a leading Russian State-controlled engineering company, widely known in the power industry.

The Company is interested in implementing the 500-600 MW coal-fired thermal power projects near the cities Muzaffargarh and Jamshoro in the Public Sector, modernization and conversion to coal of some other power projects in the country.

In order to mobilize funding for the coal-fired and other thermal power projects, SCPE, in cooperation with the leading Russian banks is ready to hold talks with Pakistani Authorities on structuring and financing in the amount of 85 % from the cost of these projects for a period of not less than 14 years.

The company has also agreed for modernization and conversion to coal unit No. 1 of TPP "Guddu", Dispersal of power from 747 MW thermal power plant .Guddu/ (construction of HV transmission line with the capacity of 500 KV) and Upgrading and construction of HV transmission lines and substation 220 KV in the districts of D.I.Khan.

He further apprised that Russian companies are keen to participate in international tenders for projects such as hydro electric power station Tarbela (lot 1 of the construction work), HPP .Tarbela/ (lot 2 of the Electro mechanical works), as well as hydro electric power station "KeyalKwar".

Chairman BOI said he was sure that plans would contribute to further intensification of cooperation between Russia and Pakistan in the field of electric power industry, and the implementation of projects.