Alternative Energy Development Board reviewed the potential of wind energy in Balochistan on the basis of available studies and data
The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has decided to tap wind energy potential present in Balochistan in its recent board meeting.
The Alternative Energy board meeting was held under the aegis of Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari to review the potential of wind energy in Balochistan on the basis of available studies and data and considered ways on how to exploit it.
The Board decided to implement the plan of exploiting the wind energy potential in Balochistan by undertaking a comprehensive resource assessment of potential areas in collaboration with the provincial government and the national transmission company.
Appraisal regarding overall progress was also done, alongside matters relating to renewable energy projects and government initiatives came under discussion during the course of the meeting.
The board has taken some big decisions and also to amends in AEDB (Certification) Regulations 2017 which would smoothify process of certifying vendors, installers and service providers for solar energy systems.
The board reached a consensus on making efforts to raise awareness among the populace regarding net metering, which would allow extracting maximum advantages out of renewable energy.
AEDB has already completed the topographic survey of target villages in southern, central and northern Balochistan, yet it has been a cash-strapped and hence could not undertake installation of solar systems in the remote area of the province.
According to experts, the coastal areas of Balochistan like Gwadar and Pasni in Makran district provide good conditions and climate for installation and working with the wind turbines.
According to some estimates, Pakistan also has the potential of producing sixty thousand megawatts from wind and some wind projects have been started in Sindh, it is also time to speed up efforts for discovering wind corridors in Balochistan.