WAPDA, the Water and Power Development Authority of Pakistan, has entered into two significant agreements with the Private Office of His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the aim of enhancing the capacity of existing small hydropower projects (HPPs) and venturing into the development of floating solar power.

On June 23, 2023, Chairman of WAPDA, Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), and His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, representing their respective organizations, signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that pave the way for collaboration and cooperation between the two entities.

The first MoU focuses on exploring investment opportunities for WAPDA's small hydel power stations, including the Renala, Rasul, Chichokimalian, and Nandipur projects, with capacities ranging from 1MW to 22MW. By partnering with the Private Office, WAPDA aims to tap into the expertise and resources of the UAE firm to boost the performance and efficiency of these existing hydropower plants.

The second agreement seeks to harness the potential of solar energy by installing floating solar panels on the water reservoirs and bodies associated with WAPDA's hydropower stations.

Under the terms of the MoUs, both WAPDA and the Private Office will collaborate closely to conduct thorough assessments of the technical and economic feasibility of these projects. The findings from these assessments will guide the formulation of comprehensive plans for executing these projects successfully.