Tehran, Iran, March 29
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Iran and Pakistan are going to sign a memorandum of understanding regarding the transfer of 3,000 megawatts of electric power from Iran to Pakistan.
The announcement was made by Iranian Minister of Energy Hamid Chitchian, who said that for the short run Iran is going to boost the current electrical export of 74 megawatts to 104 megawatts using the existing facilities, IRNA news agency reported March 29.
During a recent visit by Iranian officials to Pakistan, Iran vowed to launch facilities for the export of 600 megawatts of electricity to Pakistan in the Iranian territory, while the latter country also vowed to carry out the same on its soil, Chitchian said.
He further added that export of 3,000 megawatts of power requires building new power plants and other facilities, therefore a long-term project.
Pakistan has about four percent of share in Iran's 10-billion kWh electricity energy export, according to the annual report of Iran's Energy Ministry.
Coming to Pakistan's debts to Iran, The Express Tribune reported on March 10 that Pakistan is already importing 73MW to meet the requirement of Gwadar city but payments could not be made since 2011.
"Now that sanctions have been removed from Iran, officials believe banking channels will be opened, paving the way for payment of outstanding bills," the report said.