ISLAMABAD: The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has approved the installation of two 660MW coal-powered electricity projects in Thar.
Hub Power Company Limited will build 330 MW power project at Block-II of Thar, Sindh while another 330 MW power project will be completed at the same block of Thar by Thal Power (Private) Limited, said a PPIB press release.
The PPIB board also appreciated the achievement of financial close by 660 MW Engro Powergen last month which has now started construction activities. This is the first power project to be at this advanced stage based on the local Thar coal.
PPIB Managing Director Shah Jahan Mirza briefed the Board on current status of various ongoing power generation projects being handled by PPIB with particular emphasis on projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He further explained that keeping in view the priority of the government of Pakistan, to provide relief to the people by summers next year fast track measures were adopted, and after following the mode of international competitive bidding, Atlas Power Ltd were considered qualified to develop a 220MW R-LNG based IPP at Sheikhupura Punjab.
Earlier, presiding over 105th meeting of Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) held here, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that immediate power requirements of the country are being catered through a mix of fuels, however for the medium to long term requirements of the country, the government focuses and prioritizes the use of indigenous resources like hydropower, local coal, wind and solar etc.
He said that a treasure of 175 billion tons of coal has been sitting idle at Thar for a long time and it is the first time in history of the country that the government has mobilised resources to utilize it for power generation.
