AJK Power Development Organization

n. Development of hydropower potential of the state through participation of private sector is focus of priority and every possible support shall be extended in project implementation. Major advantages in exploiting hydropower potential of AJ&K are

Convenience of interconnection with major high voltage grid network of WAPDA. Low construction cost of power stations. Availability of reliable and credible data on Topography, Hydrology, Geology,Seismology and Power systems. Availability of construction material and skilled/ unskilled labor. Risk free environment,Peaceful,law abiding populace with no ethnic or law/order problems. It is intention of the GoAJ&K to create awareness among potential investors/project developers of the prospects/opportunities of hydro power projects waiting to be commercially exploited. For this purpose, the GoAJ&K has further streamlined the procedure and removed the likely bottlenecks observed in the Policy for Power Generation Projects year 2002 issued by PPIB. All this has been done in order to attract and facilitate private sector participation on first come first served basis. Abundant Hydropower potential is a major natural resource of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.Comprehensive area reconnaissance, initial field investigations and desk analysis have been carried out by Hydro Electric Planning Organization (HPEO) of WAPDA in collaboration with Germen Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and Montreal Engineering Co. (MECO) to identify the potential sites and assess their initial technical and economic parameters. The area topography and hydrology offer unique combinations of plant capacities for isolated and integrated use. As a result of these investigations, a no of projects have been identified with a total capacity of more than 5000 MW in Jehlum, Neelum and Poonch river catchments.�

Another significant feature of the identified sites of the enhanced capacity established during detailed feasibility studies. It is thus most likely that the capacities identified in the initial studies shall increase to their optimum levels when detailed site investigations are carried out. A number of sites have recently been awarded on first come first served basis to interested individuals/parties for development in Private Sector. The remaining raw as well as solicited sites are available for intending investors. They may apply for their choice sites in accordance with the procedure described.