WAPDA Launches Global Campaign in Bangkok for Innovative 300 MW Floating Solar Venture

In an effort to ensure copyright compliance and stimulate increased competition among potential bidders, the Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) organized a full-day Road Show in Bangkok for the groundbreaking 300 MW-Floating Solar Project in Pakistan. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, was highlighted in a press release issued today.

With representation from 50 esteemed international firms, 58 delegates participated in the event. The attendees included Chairman WAPDA Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), Yasir Hussain (Pakistan’s Charge d’ Affairs in Thailand), representatives from the World Bank, high-ranking WAPDA officials, and project consultants.

Expressing gratitude for the active participation of delegates, Chairman Ghani emphasized the exceptional business opportunities available through transparent international competitive bidding for the WAPDA floating solar project. He underscored WAPDA's robust asset base and decades-long professional expertise, inviting renowned firms to collaborate on making the maiden floating solar project in Pakistan a resounding success.

Anticipating a large number of bids from contracting firms worldwide, Ghani highlighted the project's highly secure and easily accessible site. Subsequently, WAPDA Member Finance, Member Power, GM (Coordination and Monitoring), and the Consultants provided comprehensive briefings on WAPDA's profile, revenue streams, international collaborations, and the 300 MW-Floating Solar Project's financial, technical, and bidding details.

During the question-answer session, Chairman Ghani and the WAPDA team responded to queries from participants. It's noteworthy that before the Bangkok Road Show, WAPDA conducted a Pre-Bid Conference in Pakistan in November.

The 300 MW-Floating Solar Project by WAPDA aims to generate clean energy from the Tarbela-Ghazi Barotha Complex through innovative floating solar and hydropower hybrid operations. Two 150 MW floating solar plants will be deployed—one on Ghazi Head Pond at Tarbela Complex and the other on North Pond at Ghazi-Barotha Complex.

Connecting to the Switch Yards of Tarbela and Ghazi-Barotha Hydel Power Stations, these floating solar plants will contribute 484 million units of low-cost electricity annually to the National Grid. The World Bank has expressed interest in providing 95% financing for the project.

Bidding documents were released in October 2023 following World Bank procurement guidelines, with a submission deadline of March 12, 2024.