KARACHI: An interactive session was organized on Friday by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) at Governor House, Karachi.
While presiding the session, Sindh Governor Mohammad Zubair revealed Thar coal will be utilized for power generation in Pakistan for the first time, reported Dawn.
He said a single of 660 megawatts (2x330MW) is expected to commence operations and supply electricity to national grid from next year.
Governor Sindh shared that this combined investment of $4.5 billion is not only being undertaken for coal mining to change dynamics of the entire area.
He added, Thar which is among Pakistan’s poorest and most neglected parts, will finally be transformed via this economic activity and investment.
CEO Shamsuddin Ahmed Sheikh, Engro Powergen while speaking at the session stated Thar coal excavation work had been carried up to 114 metres and balance of 26 metres would be concluded by October 2018.
Shaikh added the first unit of 660 MW will initiate power generation by December 2018 and original slated completion date of project was 42 months, which he expected would be concluded in 38 months.
Engro Powergen CEO said combined investment in power projects and coal-mining stood at approximately $2 billion, with $1.1 billion for power project and $845 million financing for mining.
He shared the project almost faced bankruptcy from its initiation because of a sudden fall in commodity prices globally which included coal too.
Mr. Shaikh said there was no stopping them, after the ground-breaking ceremony was held in April 2016. The work on the project carried on ahead of schedules and Mr. Shaikh to proudly proclaim during the session that first-ever power generating unit fueled by Thar coal would be operational next year.
Voicing optimism that the Thar project had the potential to change Pakistan in terms of meeting its energy requirements at very cheap rates.
Mr. Shaikh appreciated the support and role provided by both federal and provincial governments in making this project, a reality.
Engro Powergen has also opened schools, health clinics and launched housing schemes in the area.
