The Implementation Agreements (IAs) of two thar coal-based power generation projects with capacities of 990 MW were signed yesterday at the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB). the cumulative cost of the project for the project is said to be $1490 Million.
Shah Jahan Mirza Managing Director PPIB signed the documents with Mohammad Asad, Project Director of M/s lucky Electric Coal Project and Muhammad Abdul Vakil, Chief Operating Officer of M/s Siddoqsons Energy Coal Project. The signings were witnessed by senior officers of PPIB and other high-level officials representing both projects. Earlier, the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) of both the projects were executed on 7th March 2018.
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The 660 MW Lucky Electric Coal Project, being developed by M/s Lucky Electric Power Company Limited at Port Qasim, has an investment of 1,080 million US dollars, whereas 330 MW Siddiqsons Energy Coal Project by M/s Siddiqsons Energy Limited is located at Thar Block-II with an investment of 410 million US dollars.
Both projects will utilize Thar Coal supplied by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), which is executing coal mining operations for coal extraction in the Thar coalfield. Block-II.
Letters of Support have already been issued to both projects by PPIB which are currently at advanced stages of achieving financial closure. It is anticipated that Lucky Electric Coal Project will start generation by March 2021 while Siddiqsons Energy Coal Project will complete by June 2021.
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The addition of 990 MW of this relatively expensive electricity will put an extra burden on the national exchequer while though it will help in saving of millions of dollars of precious foreign exchange annually, generating economic activities as well as employment opportunities for the people of Thar in particular. However, as predicted by research bodies across the globe, these coal power plants could prove disastrous for Pakistan, with harmful impacts already becoming apparent in the form of heat waves and smog issues.
After claiming to overcome the crisis of electricity, GoP is prioritizing and encouraging power generation through indigenous coal and hydro besides renewable sources for achieving energy security. Exploration of Thar Coal is opening a new chapter in the energy history of Pakistan. However, the power crises is still not over despite government claims as the minister for power admitted that load-shedding will continue during the summer season.
Climate is secondary to power generation go ahead.coal is also used in medicine.
Indigenous Coal based electricity production as indicated in article will provide:
1. Energy security
2. Saving of millions of dollars of precious foreign exchange
3. Jobs to locals
Before discussing environmental affects as a fashion be informed that following the top countries using coal for electricity generation:
China
USA
India
Japan
Germany
Well Said
Pakistan share of coal Co2 emssions is 0.186% but still people whine about it.
Interesting Fact : Despite America’s vow to decrease coal consumption in 2017 instead of decreasing it they increased coal consumption :)
And here we are deciding whether to use coal for power generation or not when we desperately need electricity for industrial projects (present and in future). I say use coal for power generation,develop yourself economically, then start a gradual shift to cleaner energy projects and afforestation (like hydel,wind, biomass and solar which are quite expensive for us currently due to our financial constraints)