A World Bank support mission is set to visit Pakistan from January 27-28, 2025, to develop a work plan and outline next steps for the preparation of the Reactive Compensation Devices (STATCOMs) project. This project is vital for ensuring the stability and reliability of power systems, particularly for north-south bidirectional power flows, in both the short and medium term, according to sources at the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).
The World Bank has proposed the mission to continue discussions around providing programmatic support for enhancing Pakistan’s power transmission infrastructure. Following the identification of four high-priority transmission projects under the Transmission System Expansion Program (TSEP), the Power Division sought assistance from various development partners, including the World Bank, to strengthen the country’s transmission sector.
In response, the World Bank’s energy team, in collaboration with other key donor organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and USAID, has initiated efforts to ensure the successful preparation of these transmission projects. Additionally, the mission will focus on providing institutional support for the restructuring plans of NTDC.
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During the visit, the mission team will engage with key stakeholders, including the Power Division and NTDC, to ensure coordination and alignment on these important projects. The mission will address several objectives, including:
- Reviewing the techno-economic studies conducted by USAID for priority transmission projects and planning next steps.
- Discussing a request from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) regarding a feasibility study for the Matiari-Moro transmission line, focusing on its scope and requirements.
- Coordinating the nomination of key personnel from NTDC for the program implementation unit and establishing working arrangements between technical teams.
- Developing a detailed work plan and agreeing on next steps to advance the preparation of the STATCOM project, crucial for maintaining system stability and supporting efficient power flows.
The mission team will be led by Waleed Saleh L Alsuraih, Lead Energy Specialist, and will include Mohammad Anis (Infrastructure Program Leader), Waqas Idrees (Senior Energy Specialist), Azhar Iqbal Hussain (Principal Investment Officer), Imran-ul-Haq (Senior Social Development Specialist), and Sarah Khokhar (Social Development Specialist). Teuta Kacaniku, Lead Infrastructure MIGIG, will also participate in the mission.
This visit marks a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan’s energy infrastructure, with a focus on improving transmission capacity and stability in the power sector.
