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Interconnection of four ECO states' power transmission under study

LAILA A ALI

QUETTA: The energy transmission systems of four ECO countries Ñ Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Iran Ñ are under consideration for inter-connection, diplomatic sources said here on Monday.

A joint working group has already addressed itself to go ahead with a feasibility study on the technical basis of Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey project, variants of 500 kv transmission line route and the inter-connecting points to be linked with energy systems of these three ECO members under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Turkmenistan has surplus power, which could be easily marketed to Pakistan and Turkey/Afghanistan and some other neighbouring countries. Power for Pakistan from Turkmenistan would be through 500 kv transmission line via Afghanistan. The proposed point of entry for Pakistan of this transmission from Turkmenistan would be from Mary (Turkmenistan) to Peshawar and Quetta. Similarly, another transmission line would be linked from Turkmenistan to Turkey, inter-connecting the energy transmission system of three ECO members.

Another ECO member Iran is already ready for power export to Pakistan through two transmission lines, one for Chagai, rich in mineral resources Ñ gold, copper, silver, iron ore, marble, onyx, lead, zinc, gypsum, precious stones, building and engineering stones Ñ awaiting energy for economic exploitation and correct utilisation.

Another transmission line has been proposed for Makran division abounds in fisheries resources. Transmission lines from Turkmenistan and Iran for Pakistan would be built through Balochistan, providing a sound base for engine of growth in the ECO region.