Low cost power project: Electricity from Gaddani can cost Rs8 per unit

Only Thar coal can provide guaranteed long term energy security, says scientist.

ISLAMABAD:

Renowned scientist Dr Samar Mubarakmand has said that the Gaddani Power Project can produce low cost electricity if locally produced coal is used.

“Consumers can get electricity for Rs8 per unit if coal from Thar and Lakhra is used to run the Gaddani Power Project,” he said. In case of imported coal, it would cost Rs13 per unit, Dr Mubarakmand told Radio Pakistan.

Only Thar coal can provide guaranteed long term energy security to Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, due to its cost effectiveness, the scientist said.

The total coal based power generation capacity of the country was 2.27% while India had 64.6%, he appreciating the government’s initiative for opting for this low cost energy source.

Employment and investment

Adviser to Prime Minister for Water and Power Dr Musadiq Malik has voiced hope that the Gaddani Power Project would usher in a new dawn for the people of Balochistan. Talking to Radio Pakistan, Malik said the project would be a huge source of employment for the people of Balochistan and would play a crucial role in the development of the province.

The $14 billion power complex at Gaddani that would include ten power plants of 660MW each to generate 6,600MW of electricity would end the power shortfall in the country.

Availability of electricity to run the mills and factories would in turn have a positive impact on the whole economy of Pakistan, Malik said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif emphasised that the project should be duly publicised and also directed the finance minister to arrange a briefing for the local bankers on the project.

Dr Musadiq said the private sector will be playing a key role in completion of Gaddani Power Park.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2013.