Transforming Sand Dunes into Power: The Thar Coal Block-I Project and China-Pakistan Collaboration

In a recent statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's endorsement of the Thar Coal Block-I Coal Electricity Integration project. Mao Ning echoed the Prime Minister's sentiment, emphasizing that this initiative would transform a once barren landscape of sand dunes into a formidable source of power.

On March 23, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally inaugurated the Thar Coal Block-I Coal Electricity Integration project as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif celebrated the transformation of a desert region into an industrial hub, predicting that this remarkable project would significantly boost Pakistan's economy.

Mao Ning highlighted the project's significance in transmitting electricity across Pakistan, benefiting the local economy, and improving people's livelihoods. She described it as a shining example of CPEC's role as a pilot project within the Belt and Road Initiative.

Furthermore, Mao Ning emphasized CPEC's consistent progress and its positive impact on energy cooperation and job opportunities in Pakistan. She reiterated China's commitment to collaborating with Pakistan to promote the high-quality development of CPEC, fostering sustainable socio-economic growth and enhancing the well-being of both nations.

The Thar Coal Block-I project, operational since early February, boasts two 660-megawatt coal-fired generating units and an annual lignite coal production of 7.8 million tons from an open-pit mine. This substantial capacity can meet the electricity needs of four million households in Pakistan.

Notably, Thar Coal Block-I is poised to reduce Pakistan's fuel imports, preserve foreign exchange reserves, optimize the power supply structure, and bolster energy security.