Pakistan accelerates wind farm installation to fight power shortages

Pakistan has purchased eight new wind farms from Siemens Gamesa during 2020, with the new wind farms providing 410 MW of power once fully operational. 

The decision to rapidly add new wind farms to its energy grid comes as Pakistan continues to battle power blackouts across the country. While things have improved in recent years, Pakistan’s Government has regularly shed customers from the power grid as the load exceeds generation capacity. Now, renewable energy generation is so cheap and convenient, that countries such as Pakistan are able to quickly add capacity. 

Partnering with an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, Siemens Gamesa will supply, install and commission a total of 205 units of Siemens Gamesa 2.X turbines for eight projects with a combined capacity of 410 MW. Of the eight wind farms package, two projects have already started construction, with commissioning expected in November 2020 and February 2021 respectively.

When fully operational at the end of 2021, these eight wind farms will generate enough electricity to cover the annual needs of up to 600,000 local households with clean and affordable electricity, significantly alleviating the power shortage in Pakistan where 40 million residents have no access to electricity supply.

“As a global pioneer of wind solutions, Siemens Gamesa has a track record of bringing innovative technologies to developing markets across the globe. We’re pleased with the impact and partnership we have been able to make in Pakistan,” said Enrique Pedrosa, chief regions officer of Siemens Gamesa’s Onshore business unit.

“Renewables are at the centre of the global energy transition and will play an essential role in economic recovery post Covid-19. We’re well positioned and committed to bringing more sustainable and affordable clean energy for generations to come in Pakistan,” he added.

Siemens Gamesa signed its first project in Pakistan (50 MW) three years ago. These new eight projects are a giant step in the company’s commitment to being one of the main drivers of sustainable development in the country.

As a country heavily reliant on imported natural gas and oil for power generation, Pakistan is now promoting renewable sources with a focus on wind and solar, which are now the cheapest sources of power in the country. The Pakistani government aims to boost modern renewable energy in its energy mix to 30% by 2030.