World Bank mission to visit Pakistan to bolster power transmission projects

ISLAMABAD: A World Bank support mission is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 27-28, 2025 to discuss and finalize plans for a crucial project aimed at enhancing the stability and reliability of the country’s power transmission system.

The mission will focus on the Reactive Compensation Devices (STATCOMs) project, which is essential for maintaining stable north-south power flows in the short to medium term. The project is part of a larger initiative to strengthen Pakistan’s transmission sector, which has been identified as a priority area for development.

The World Bank team will engage with key stakeholders, including the Power Division and National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), to ensure alignment and coordination on the project’s progress. The mission will also discuss the request from the Economic Affairs Division for a high-level feasibility study on the Matiari-Moro transmission line.

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Additionally, the mission will work on developing a work plan and agreeing on next steps to advance the preparation of the STATCOMs project. The team will comprise experts from the World Bank, including energy specialists, infrastructure specialists, and social development specialists.

The visit is a follow-up to the World Bank’s earlier efforts to facilitate the successful preparation of priority transmission projects in Pakistan, in collaboration with key donor partners such as the Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and USAID.