ISLAMABAD: As part of efforts to ease the energy crisis in the country, Pakistani authorities will discuss with the Chinese officials the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project during the first meeting of the Pak-China Joint Energy Working Group (JEWG) to be held in Beijing on Aug 1-2.

According to sources, at least 18 projects will be discussed at the meeting. including four electricity generation projects of about 2,297MW, one coal power project of 405MW, one project for development of infrastructure and mining of Thar coal, four small and medium dams, five projects for distribution of electricity, one alternative energy project, and two projects of Geological Survey of Pakistan seeking technical assistance and financing, etc. An engineering procurement contract will also be taken up.

All the power projects are proposed to be completed in three to five years. Water and Power Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, who is chairman of the JEWG for Pakistan, would lead the Pakistani delegation during the talks, the sources said.

The working group would deliberate on the supply of gas to Pakistan through international pipelines.

The group was formed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Pakistan and China to promote cooperation in the field of energy. The MoU was proposed by the National Energy Administration of China to establish bilateral energy cooperation mechanisms.

The group was assigned the task of promoting cooperation in areas such as oil and gas, coal, conventional power, and nuclear and renewable energy.

Both the countries have described the JEWG as an important opportunity which will further strengthen the already good relations between Pakistan and China.

Mr Qamar said the Chinese officials, companies, investors and entrepreneurs would be encouraged to participate in various power sector projects initiated by his government. The government would facilitate and provide incentives to the Chinese for investments in water, power and other projects.

He said that Pakistan was committed to easing the existing shortages in the country and achieving the objective of energy security on a sustainable basis.

Meanwhile, according to the National Power Control Centre, the electricity shortfall on Saturday was 3,196MW because the demand declined to 17,486MW in the wake of drop in temperature. The electricity generation stood at 14,290MW.