The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $810 million multi-tranche financing facility to develop Pakistan's power transmission system, to improve the reliability and quality of energy supply, and to meet increasing demand for electricity.

The loan facility will help fund the staged rehabilitation and expansion of the transmission network, increasing transmission capacity and energy efficiency and security, ADB press release said.

It will also support government efforts to develop a more transparent and efficient power sector by promoting reforms in the National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited, and the sector's newly established commercial operator, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (Guarantee) Limited. ADB’s facility will be delivered in tranches, implemented from 2016 to 2026.

Power shortages are a major obstacle in Pakistan's economic development. With demand for electricity outpacing supply, inefficient and inadequate transmission and distribution systems are key bottlenecks in the development of the energy sector that is stifling growth and threatens social strife.

ADB is Pakistan's largest development partner in the energy sector with investments including five multi-tranche financing facilities, as well as providing support for policy reforms, energy planning, preparation of feasibility studies, capacity development, and promotion of regional power and gas trading initiatives.

ADB's assistance is helping the government to address the persistent energy crisis through Vision 2025, Pakistan's comprehensive plan for economic growth. The plan aims to increase power generation, provide uninterrupted electricity to all, and improve demand management. 

Source : XINHUA