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GCC Expands to Pakistan with Hawa Energy Wind Farm Registration

The Global Carbon Council (GCC) has registered the Hawa Energy Wind Farm Project, marking a significant milestone as the first project from Pakistan to join the GCC registration portfolio. This development highlights the commitment to advancing renewable energy and fostering sustainable growth globally.

GCC Expands to Pakistan with Hawa Energy Wind Farm Registration

Project Overview

The project is a greenfield activity, located in Jhimpir, near Nooriabad, District Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan, the Hawa Energy Wind Farm Project is owned by Hawa Energy (Private) Limited. The project comprises 29 General Electric wind turbines, each with a capacity of 1.715 MW, providing a total installed capacity of 49.735 MW. The wind farm is expected to generate around 170 GWh of clean electricity annually, being delivered to the National Transmission & Dispatch Company Limited (NTDC) which is connected to the National Grid of Pakistan (namely, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

Having achieved full commercial operation since March 15, 2018, the project is estimated to reduce 85,946 tons of CO2 emissions annually, amounting to a total of 859,460 tons of CO2 emission reductions over a fixed 10-year crediting period.

Methodology and Validation and Verification

The project adheres to the ACM0002 CDM methodology under the UNFCCC framework, tailored for grid-connected electricity generation from renewable sources. It has been rigorously validated by KBS Certification Services Pvt. Ltd., ensuring compliance with GCC and UNFCCC requirements.

The project boundary includes the power plant and all the connected power plants within the electricity system. By utilizing wind energy, the project significantly reduces dependency on fossil fuels, aligning with global climate objectives.

Contributions to Environment, Society, and Sustainable Development

The Hawa Energy Wind Farm Project not only reduces emissions but also drives sustainable development in Pakistan through its environmental and societal contributions.

GCC Expands to Pakistan with Hawa Energy Wind Farm Registration
GCC Expands to Pakistan with Hawa Energy Wind Farm Registration

Social Impact

  • Job Creation: Provides stable employment opportunities for local communities during both construction and operational phases.
  • Safety Standards: Regular training programs ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.
  • Community Development: Supports skill-building initiatives, adhering to ethical labor standards and prohibiting child labor.

Environmental Impact

  • Emission Reductions: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels by producing clean energy, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Noise and Waste Management: Turbines meet noise regulations, and hazardous waste is responsibly managed to prevent environmental harm.
  • Biodiversity Protection: Implements measures to avoid disrupting migratory bird paths and protect endangered species.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • sdg-4

    SDG 4 – Quality Education

    By supporting educational initiatives, the project fosters skill development, awareness, and capacity-building in local communities.

  • sdg-5

    SDG 5 – Gender Equality

    The project promotes gender-inclusive policies, creating opportunities for women in training, employment, and decision-making roles.

  • sdg-7

    SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

    Affordable and Clean Energy: By producing renewable wind energy, the project contributes to a sustainable and cost-effective energy future, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

  • sdg-13

    SDG 13 – Climate Action

    The project directly addresses climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy production.

With its Gold SDG+ Label certification, the project exemplifies a commitment to global sustainability objectives.

GCC Expands to Pakistan with Hawa Energy Wind Farm Registration
GCC Expands to Pakistan with Hawa Energy Wind Farm Registration

Mr. Jon Bahen, CEO of JCM Power, shared:

 “As part of JCM Power’s ongoing mission to advance the clean energy age, we are delighted to have successfully registered our Hawa Wind Energy Project with GCC. The GCC’s renewable energy carbon credit projects are pioneering a new era for the low-carbon economy in the region. We are excited that our project has reached the significant milestone of being the first renewable energy project in Pakistan to secure GCC approval. This recognition underscores our dedication to the surrounding communities and the broader environment, reflecting our team’s hard work and commitment.”

Mr. Martin Dilger, Managing Director of UPM Umwelt-Projekt-Management GmbH, added:

“Today, we celebrate the successful registration of Hawa wind power carbon project with the Global Carbon Council, which is the first in Pakistan. It is not just a milestone; it is a testament to the unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. UPM has been developing climate mitigation projects in the field of renewable energy since 2012 in Pakistan. Our endeavor highlights the potential for private sector initiatives to drive positive environmental impact. When the GCC was founded in 2016, it was the first global standard for carbon credits from the Global South. UPM wanted to support this initiative from the outset and was able to successfully develop its first project under this standard with Hawa Energy. This is a crucial step in ensuring that Pakistan meets its sustainable development goals and plays a proactive role in preserving the environment for future generations. Together, we are forging a path towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Looking ahead

The Hawa Energy Wind Farm represents a significant achievement for Pakistan’s renewable energy sector and the GCC system. By addressing climate challenges through innovative and sustainable practices, it sets the stage for continued progress in renewable energy and sustainable development.

The GCC remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive impactful climate action and empower communities, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.