Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is implementing Hydropower & Renewable Energy (HRE) Projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province with the financial support of the Government of Germany through the German Development Bank (KfW).
The hilly village of Sar Kalay in union council Pandair falling in Chagharzi/Buner is home to about 60 households, the village’s total population is 895. Thanks to PPAF and KfW, the village has now electricity from 36 kW hydro power project completed under PPAF HRE Project.
The whole project comprises of two phases with total financial outlay of Euro 22.5 million. Phase-I was initiated in 2013 and is planned to be completed in 2018. Phase-II spanning over three years will follow Phase-I.
The KfW delegation along with PPAF senior officials inaugurated hydro power project in district Buner on Sep.10, 2017 and solar mini-grid projects in district Lakki Marwat on September 11, 2017.
While inaugurating the Micro-Hydel Power Project and Solar Mini-Grid Projects in district Buner and Lakki Marwat, Mr. Michael Gruber, Division Head ofPeace and Governance Program-KfW Frankfurt, appreciated the efforts of PPAF in implementing renewable projects in off-grid and remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said, “These projects will improve socio-economic situation of the of people and development of the area”. He emphasized on proper operation and maintenance of the projects to ensure long term benefits of the project.
Mrs. Maja Bott, Project Manager HRE Project, KfW Frankfort on the occasion said, “These projects are located in very challenging and difficult terrain. The high quality of equipment and civil structures will help in ensuring long life of these projects”. She also urged the beneficiary communities in proper operation and maintenance of these projects.
Mr. Amir Naeem, Senior Group Head, Financial Management and Corporate Affairs/Company Secretary PPAF,acknowledged support of KfW and thanked KfW and the local community for their support, saying that “PPAF is delighted to work on this project with KfW that will improve lives of people living in the areas and help achieve ultimate goal of poverty alleviation.”
Ms. Simi Kamal, Senior Group Head, Grants Operations Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund appreciated the cooperation of KfW in implementation of these Renewable Energy projects in the province. She added, “PPAF will ensure inclusion of women in all its activities, because it is mandate of PPAF to engage women and ensure their active participation in economic development activities.”
The project is being implemented in 6 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province covering 8 union councils of these districts. The project districts include Swabi, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Buner, Upper Dir and Chitral. The HRE Phase-I is expected to benefit over 20,000 people.
Five mini/ micro hydropower plants with total capacity of 803 kW (ranging from 36 kW to 306 kW) are planned to be implemented in Chitral, Upper Dir and Buner Districts. The produced electricity will not only be used for lighting purposes but small and mini enterprises will also be established. This will increase the household income, adding value to local products and transforming lives of marginalized communities.
As many as 96 Solar Mini-Grid Systems with total installed capacity of 500 kW are planned to be implemented in remote and off-grid locations of Karak, Swabi and Lakki Marwat Districts. These community-managed solar lighting systems will not only meet basic lighting requirements but will also be available for village level businesses and local enterprises.
