Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says amid skyrocketing fuel prices, the affordable energy production from the Thar Coal Mines project would prove to be a game-changer for development the the entire country.
He stated this while addressing the inauguration of the commercial operations of Phase-II of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company during his visit to Thar Coal Mines Block-II in Islamkot,Tharparkar on Monday.
He said the Thar Coal Project will help the government save up to six billion dollars as the expenditure on the import of energy including petrol and other fuels have touched twenty-four billion dollars.
Prime Minister said not benefitting from the country’s indigenous coal reserves was a huge mistake and announced to convene a meeting of stakeholders on Thar Coal mines next week to discuss formalities.
Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government in collaboration with the Sindh government will chalk out a policy framework on the Thar Coal project, with an objective to connect it with the rest of coal-powered power plants in the country producing 4,000 megawatts.
He said the coal-powered plants would be affordable power generation option with a cost of rupees 10 per unit.
He said the coal gasification can be used to make Syngas for fertilizers to save billions in foreign exchange.
Prime Minister said Thar Coal Mines project would be connected on 23rd March through a freight rail track for the transportation of coal to other parts of the country.
Addressing on the occasion, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Thar now has emerged as a game changer and a public-partnership model of development.
He said the Thar Coal Mines project has contributed to the provision of job opportunities to the local people of Thar, thus improving their lifestyles.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government allocated 40 percent equity along with 60 percent contributed by Sindh Engro in the public-private partnership on Thar Coal mines project.
He termed Sindh province as the ‘energy basket of Pakistan’, with immense potential of natural energy resources, including solar and wind energy.
Briefing the Prime Minister on the project, Chief Minister Sindh said the power plant will generate 330 megawatt power that will be extended to 2640 megawatt by the end of the year.
He further said utilising 175 billion tons of coal in 13 blocks required construction of extensive infrastructure and Sindh government has spent 750 million dollars for the purpose.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong congratulated the government of Pakistan on the successful completion of the project and lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his “consistent devotion and firm support” in strengthening Pakistan-China cooperation including in CPEC projects.
He hoped that the new power block would help overcome energy shortage, and provide reliable and affordable electricity.
During his visit to Thar, Prime Minister also met with female dumper truck drivers and appreciated their courage and dedication.
On the occasion Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also praised the hard work, dedication and passion of the women of Thar.
Source: Radio Pakistan