Thar coal project yet to take off
Recently initiated gasification project awaits machinery from Japan.
THARPARKAR:
The government has been met with criticism for taking no significant steps to overcome the prevalent shortage of electricity, which continues to hamper economic growth in the country.
Despite expectations of a widening demand-supply gap in the coming years, the potential of Thar coalfield, which has total reserves of 175 billion tons, is yet to be exploited.
The Thar Coal and Energy Department had signed agreements with several local and foreign companies, none of which have begun operations yet. Engro Powergen had launched a joint venture with the Government of Sindh at Block II of Thar coal but despite an injection of Rs1.4 billion, the project remains largely static.
In a bid to tap the coalfield’s potential, Planning Commission member Dr Samar Mubarakmand recently initiated the underground coal gasification project at Block V of the coalfield. The project was expected to be completed by March, but the lack of technical expertise has caused its future to hang in the balance.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Mechanical General Manager of the project Sabir Langha explained that the recent earthquake in Japan had delayed delivery of heavy compressor and allied machinery, which led to delay in inauguration of the project.
Officials have urged the government to come up with a clear policy on how to tackle the energy crisis in the country. They criticised the authorities for wasting funds in non-development projects, instead of spending on development of the coalfield, which consists of half a dozen vacant blocks.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2011.
The government has been met with criticism for taking no significant steps to overcome the prevalent shortage of electricity, which continues to hamper economic growth in the country.
Despite expectations of a widening demand-supply gap in the coming years, the potential of Thar coalfield, which has total reserves of 175 billion tons, is yet to be exploited.
The Thar Coal and Energy Department had signed agreements with several local and foreign companies, none of which have begun operations yet. Engro Powergen had launched a joint venture with the Government of Sindh at Block II of Thar coal but despite an injection of Rs1.4 billion, the project remains largely static.
In a bid to tap the coalfield’s potential, Planning Commission member Dr Samar Mubarakmand recently initiated the underground coal gasification project at Block V of the coalfield. The project was expected to be completed by March, but the lack of technical expertise has caused its future to hang in the balance.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Mechanical General Manager of the project Sabir Langha explained that the recent earthquake in Japan had delayed delivery of heavy compressor and allied machinery, which led to delay in inauguration of the project.
Officials have urged the government to come up with a clear policy on how to tackle the energy crisis in the country. They criticised the authorities for wasting funds in non-development projects, instead of spending on development of the coalfield, which consists of half a dozen vacant blocks.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2011.