Pakistan’s power sector is set to receive a significant boost in the upcoming federal budget for 2024-25, with a proposed 200% increase in the development budget, bringing the total allocation to over Rs239.42 billion.

Sources indicate that the government is also considering adding 14 new projects to the sector’s portfolio for the next fiscal year.

One of the proposed projects includes a land acquisition plan for a 1200 MW solar plant in Lia, with an estimated cost of Rs6.25 billion. The budget also includes plans for energy battery storage projects, with a proposed allocation of Rs1.58 billion.

Further, the budget proposes Rs633 million for land acquisition for a 600 MW solar plant in Jhang, Rs35 billion for the Gengo One Coal Power Project, and Rs5.5 billion for upgrading the electricity transmission system.

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Over Rs4.88 billion are proposed for the CASA 1000 Interconnection Project, while Rs4.8 billion are allocated for improving NTDC grid stations. The Dasu Hydropower Project Power Supply Phase 1 is also included in the budget, with a proposed allocation of Rs22.11 billion.

Additionally, Rs1.7 billion are allocated for electricity generation from the Tarbela 5 Extension Project, and Rs5.23 billion are proposed for upgrading 500 and 220 KV grid stations.

These proposed budget increases and new projects aim to address the country’s growing energy demand and improve the overall efficiency of the power sector.