It is reported that Engineering Development Board and National Productivity Organisation have agreed to cooperate in the development and promotion of the engineering industry of Pakistan, particularly in the areas of energy conversation in the steel sector.

A memorandum of cooperation was signed by Mr Aitazaz A Niazi CEO of EDB and Mr Yousaf M Khawaja chief of NPO. Both the organizations would cooperate in development of pilot projects in the re rolling sector as per recommendations and preliminary survey conducted by EDB through foreign experts. These would be implemented by the energy audit teams of the NPO and assess the quantum of energy saving due to these measures for feedback to the experts.

A joint survey of the entire re rolling sector would be conducted for replicating the results of pilot level. The NPO and EDB in consultation with an engineering university would develop a Thermal Model on pusher furnace to quantify the effects of various furnace parameters on energy consumption and furnace efficiency. It was also agreed to establish a steering committee for the re rolling sector for improvement in energy efficiency. It would consist of representatives of re rolling sector, refractories, instrumentation, recuperator, energy suppliers and subject specialists.

The organizations would also hold conferences, roundtable discussions, meetings, seminars, presentations and surveys and prepare reports and exchange information relating to cooperation activities. These would identify focal points to facilitate the coordination and implementation of their respective or joint activities in furtherance of cooperation including appropriate follow up review and assessment. For this purpose, a joint work plan with detailed roles, responsibilities, activities and milestones would be developed.

The MoC would remain in force for an initial period of five years and might be renewed by mutual written agreement.

(Sourced from www.dailytimes.com.pk)