Muzaffargarh solar power project

The Muzaffargarh Solar Power Project is a proposed 600 MW solar power plant to be installed in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan. The project is part of the government's initiative to generate low-cost and environment-friendly electricity.

Muzaffargarh Solar Power Project
CountryPakistan
LocationMuzaffargarh
StatusProposed
Solar farm
TypeFlat-panel PV
Total collector area2,400 acres
Power generation
Units planned1
Nameplate capacity600MW

The project was launched as a component of the government's strategy to generate 10,000 MW of solar power nationwide. The primary objective was to lower electricity costs by phasing out load-based power plants that operate on imported fuel during daylight hours. The initial pilot project of 600 MW was set in motion in Muzaffargarh.[1]

Land acquisition

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2400 acres of land was to be acquired for the Muzaffargarh project at an estimated cost of Rs 2000 crore. 1.4 billion.[2][3] However, due to financial constraints, the Planning Commission refused to fund the land acquisition.[4][5]

Bidding

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The project's bidding process faced a poor response from potential investors.[6] Despite offering an appealing power tariff of 3.4 cents per unit, no bids were submitted for the project. This presented a setback, as the government did not receive any bids for the initial pilot project.[1] Due to the poor response in the bidding process, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) intended to review the approved tariff for the project.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Setback as no bids received for 600MW solar power project". www.thenews.com.pk.
  2. ^ "NTDC to install 2,400MW solar power plants in Punjab". The Nation. 7 November 2022.
  3. ^ "Govt to Purchase Land to Install 2,400MW Solar Energy Project in Punjab".
  4. ^ "Muzaffargarh solar plant land: Power Div asked to raise Rs930m from its own unutilised funds". Brecorder. 13 April 2023.
  5. ^ Ghumman, Mushtaq (30 April 2023). "Muzaffargarh power plant: President approves Rs930m CDL". Brecorder.
  6. ^ "Jun 19, 2023 | 13 energy projects cleared amid poor bidding response". Dawn Epaper. 19 June 2023.
  7. ^ "NEPRA to Reassess Tariff for 600 MW Muzaffargarh Solar Power Plant".