Inauguration of Pakistan's Premier Thar Coal-Powered Plant Marks Milestone
Witnessing a significant stride in Pakistan's energy landscape, the Thar Block-1 coal-based power plant officially commenced its commercial operations on February 5, 2023, as confirmed by the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB).
A key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Shanghai Project boasts an impressive 1320 MW generation capacity and is spearheaded by Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Shanghai Electric.
Projections indicate an annual production of 9 billion units of power, translating to a substantial Rs. 250 billion in savings annually. The venture has successfully attracted substantial foreign direct investment, amounting to an impressive $1,912 million.
The collective output from the four operational Thar coal-based power plants, including the 330 MW ThalNova project, now stands at 2,970 MW of electricity. Notably, the 330 MW ThalNova project is already contributing to the national power grid.
The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has granted approval for the commissioning of three projects, namely the 660 MW Engro, 660 MW Lucky, and 330 MW Hubco Thar power projects. These projects, with a combined capacity of 1,650 MW, currently top the NPCC's merit order list, underscoring their pivotal role in meeting the nation's growing energy demands.