Pakistan is facing a chronic power shortage, with a 5,300MW deficit estimated by 2011.
Commercial-scale wind farms are being touted as a potential solution – providing a clean, renewable power source to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on fossil fuels and lessen the looming crisis. Comprising 93 wind farms and related infrastructure, the Gharo Wind Corridor is one of the first large-scale energy production schemes in the country.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its wind power production initiative, is helping Pakistan remove existing policy and regulatory barriers, and encourage private-sector investment in utility-scale wind energy generation.
Halcrow’s Pakistan team completed a series of environmental impact assessments and regional environmental assessments for the client partners – a joint venture between leading Spanish companies Taller and Eolic Partners SA. This monitoring has helped shape environmental guidelines for future wind power initiatives in Pakistan, and improved investor confidence by identifying risks and providing assessment to internationally recognised standards.
As well as providing a secure, sustainable energy supply, the project benefits local communities through the construction of basic infrastructure, such as roads and water wells. The scheme will boost the local economy, bringing new jobs and enterprise right to residents’ doorsteps.
With increasing pressure on fossil fuel reserves, a global interest in renewable energy and a heightened demand for electricity, the Gharo Wind Corridor will make a much-needed, sustainable contribution to Pakistan’s future power supply.