International Coal Conference: Gilani believes Thar can solve energy crisis

PM optimistic over coal reserves, looks ahead to exporting surplus energy in future.


Express October 23, 2011

KARACHI:


Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday vowed to solve Pakistan’s energy crisis through full exploitation of the Thar coal reserves.


The PM was addressing the International Coal Conference 2011, which was organized by the Sindh Government and attended by international investors and industrialists.

Gilani traced the history of the Thar coalfield back to its inauguration by Benazir Bhutto in 1993. The plan to extract coal was shelved by the subsequent government, but Gilani said the current PPP-led government was finally transforming Bhutto’s vision into reality.

With full utilisation of the coal reserves, 100,000 MW could be produced over the next 300 years, the PM claimed. He even looked forward to a future in which surplus electricity could be exported.

The PM said various institutions have been joined under the umbrella of the Thar Coal Board Energy Board, led by the Sindh chief minister, and are working together to maximise coal resources in Thar which have been estimated at 175 billion tons. He added that the government would encourage foreign investment in the project.

Gilani also mentioned the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, which will generate over 4500 MW electricity after completion. This was another example of using indigenous sources of power generation – a necessary process in order to reduce dependence on foreign oil, and thus eliminating the menace of circular debt, according to the PM.

Gilani called for a balanced energy mix, gradually increasing coal-based power generation and bringing it at a par with the world average of 40% coal-based power generation.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2011.

COMMENTS (10)

Unknown | 12 years ago | Reply

@ Cautious You should visit the website, and download the presentations. You will get a clear idea from there. Just click on Link "International Coal Conference". We published openly in leading news papers for registration. and I am much sure Mr. Ammad sent his registration form. It was open registration with No FEE, and first come first get basis. You may visit Sindh Coal website also. Regards

Adeel759 | 12 years ago | Reply listening this sloganeering, why cant one govt, finally take it too next level. Every givt cones and tells us how much codsall abs gas reserves we have bla bla bla but country and its industry if dying, I wonder all of our politician wants to end up like qaddafi, he was one qaddafi, wegot hundreds of small qaddafis . Work it out for people before people go crazy.
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