APP reported that the Asian Development Bank has approved USD 5.3 billion for 60 on going development projects for Pakistan as of July 2008, which included financing of USD 2.166 billion for energy projects.

Mr Rune Stroem ADB country director said that ADB had provided USD 1.8 billion in 2007, USD 1.2 billion in 2008 and USD 1.5 billion for 2009 to Pakistan and stands as the largest development partner of this country.

Mr Rune said that these projects were in key infrastructure sectors including energy, transportation, water resources and reforms. He said that ADB was also the largest development partner in energy sector and across the power supply chain.

He added that the ongoing loans included USD 510 million for renewable energy, USD 800 million for power transmission, USD 810 million for power distribution enhancement. Similarly, ADB will provide USD 350 million for sustainable energy efficiency, USD 800 million for power transmission enhancement and USD 500 million for energy infrastructure under its future loan program.

Mr Rune said that the ongoing technical assistance program included gas sector restructuring, establishment of central power purchase agency, renewable energy policy formulation and capacity building, power distribution enhancement and energy efficiency.

He said that ADB has recently concluded technical assistance program for the development of Thar coal fields and provision of technical support to office of energy advisor to Prime Minister. Future technical assistance program included Nepra institutional capacity building and energy infrastructure.

In addition, ADB is also investing in private sector energy projects including Fauji Kabirwala, Dharki Power, New Bong Hydro, Rajdhani, Winpower and LNG projects.

(Sourced from APP)