Punjab government and Denmark signs accord for the production of wind energy

Lahore: An agreement of cooperation was signed here today between Punjab government and an international company of Denmark regarding projects of wind technology.

On behalf of Punjab government, Additional Secretary Energy Department Khalid Awais Raja signed the agreement, while Vice President of the Danish company VESTAS Gerard Carew signed on behalf of Denmark.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Ambassador of Denmark Jespar Moller Sorensen were present on the occasion.

The Ambassador pointed out that a great deal of potential exists for generating over 1000 megawatts of electricity from wind in the north and south of Punjab. He also stated that wind technology potential in Punjab is greater than in Sindh area of Jampir.

According to the agreement, four pilot projects pertaining to wind power would be developed by the Danish company for which Punjab government would provide all possible facilities. Every pilot project has the potential of generating up to 250 megawatt electricity. Development work at four potential locations for wind technology would expeditiously be completed on war-footing.

Talking on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister said that Denmark is a great friend of Pakistan and has helped in locating various areas of Punjab for wind power projects to deal with energy crisis for which we are grateful to the government of Denmark and the Danish Ambassador. He said Denmark is a global leader in wind energy and meets a great percentage of energy needs of its own country through wind power. He said that Punjab would vigorously benefit from the expertise and cooperation of Denmark in wind technology to deal with its energy crisis. He further said the Danish Ambassador took personal interest in promotion of wind energy in Punjab and thanked him for his deep interest in mapping locations in Punjab suitable for generating electricity through wind technology. He said these projects would be completed expeditiously and in a transparent manner with the cooperation of Denmark which will prove to be a milestone in overcoming the energy crisis in the province.

The Chief Minister directed formulation of Punjab Wind Power Company and said that a Quaid-e-Azam Wind Power Park would be established on the pattern of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park. Addressing on the occasion, the Danish Ambassador said that Denmark would provide all possible cooperation to Pakistan to deal with its energy crisis. He said installation of wind technology in Punjab would help a great deal in overcoming energy crisis by Pakistan. He further said that the process of locating appropriate places for wind technology has been completed in various areas of north and south of Punjab with the help of latest technology.

Mr. Gerard Carew, the Vice President of VESTAS pointed out that Denmark has great expertise in renewable energy and 40 percent of energy needs of Denmark are being met through wind technology. He congratulated Punjab Chief Minister on this important step and assured that Danish government would continue to provide maximum assistance to Punjab government in overcoming its energy crisis. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Azmul Haq, Chief Secretary Punjab, Secretary Planning & Development, Chairman Punjab Power Development Company, CEO of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and officials of Danish international company VESTAS were also present on the occasion.