Lahore, November 04, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has recommended to utilize Coal reservoirs to produce low-cost electricity in Pakistan at the pattern of China. Mr. Wang Zihai, President, Mr. Ehsan Choudhry, SVP, Mr. Safraz Butt, Vice President, Mr. Salahuddin Hanif Secretary General and the Executive Committee Members of PCJCCI, in its monthly Think Tank meeting have unanimously approved a recommendation for promoting Coal-based power generation plants in Pakistan.
Mr. Zihai informed that that generally coal has four major categories; lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous and anthracite. But most of its heating value is present in carbon content which is valuable in all aspects. Anthracite is top ranked coal, with highest carbon content that ranges between 86-98 per cent and has a heat value of nearly 15,000 BTUs (British thermal units) per pound. In the last five years Pakistan has aggressively pursued coal power under the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative as well as outside it, increasing coal-based capacity from negligible to 4,620 megawatts. With seven other coal-based projects under construction, the country expects to add 4,590 megawatts by the end of 2026, Zihai added.
Mr. Ehsan Choudhry, Senior Vice President PCJCCI shared his views by saying that, at present, our total coal reserves are estimated around 184.5 billion tonnes which include the lately discovered deposits of low sulphur coal at Thar. Well-developed coal-fields are located in Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh, he said adding that we should explore coal and develop coal-fired power plants to not only lessen dependence on imported fuel but also to cut the cost of power production for the benefit of the industries, trade and individual consumers.
Mr. Sarfaraz Butt, Vice President PCJCCI said that in Pakistan the share of coal power during winter increases because of reduction in hydel generation and closure of gas-based plants due to the shortage of the fuel. He pointed out that the share of coal power in the country’s generation will likely double in the years to come as new plants come online over the next six years to end 2026.
Mr. Salahuddin Hanif, General Secretary PCJCCI said that it is good for the economy of countries like Pakistan even though some may oppose coal power because of its potential impact on the environment. But the coal power technology has improved a great deal and it no longer can be regarded dirty fuel when it comes to producing electricity from it. I would say coal is much cleaner fuel for electricity generation than furnace oil.
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