Govt approves 4,250MW coal-based power projects

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Projects include a 660MW plant by HUBCO, 660MW project by Global Benefit Malaysia, 420MW project by Giga Energy, 660MW by Yunus Brothers-Lucky Cement, two projects of 660MW by Asiapak Hong Kong, 330MW project by Siddiq Sons Group and another 200MW project by Asia Petroleum

The government on Wednesday approved the processing of 4,250MW coal-based power projects on Wednesday.

The approval was given in the 96th meeting of the board of directors of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Asif in Islamabad.

The private sector has shown interest in developing coal based power projects in various parts of the country including Hub, Port Qasim, coastal areas of Karachi, Faisalabad, Gharo and Jamshoro.

The projects include a 660MW plant by HUBCO, 660MW project by Global Benefit Malaysia, 420MW project by Giga Energy, 660MW by Yunus Brothers-Lucky Cement, two projects of 660MW by Asiapak Hong Kong, 330MW project by Siddiq sons Group and another 200MW project by Asia Petroleum.

In addition to these, Sino-Sindh Resources in partnership with China Power International have shown interest in developing two power projects of 600MW each, while Thar Power Company, which is a joint venture of Engro Energy and government of Sindh, have also shown interest in developing two 330MW power plants at Thar.

The minister assured that the government was committed to provide uninterruptible cheap power to the people of Pakistan and is working on all avenues to achieve its objective.

Asif said that in order extract power from the upcoming IPPs, the government plans on inviting the private sector for setting up transmission lines. Policy in this regard is expected to be announced shortly.

The meeting was also briefed that the PPIB is constantly monitoring early implementation of the hydropower projects included in the “early harvest projects” priority list of the China Pakistan Energy Corridor.

The projects include 870MW Sukki Kinari hydropower project, 720MW Karot hydropower project and 1,100 MW Kohala hydropower project.

Keeping in view the importance being accorded to projects based on indigenous resources, a ‘letter of support’ was extended on Wednesday for the 100MW Gulpur Hydropoer Project located on the Poonch River near Kotli, Azad Kashmir