‘Tech boosts coal plant safety’

Coal-fired power plants account for 37 per cent of the total electricity generated worldwide, while in Pakistan the reliance on coal for electricity is relatively lower, making up only 15% of the current electricity mix. However, it holds tremendous potential for development.

These remarks were made by Vice President Chen Wei of the Sahiwal Coal-fired Power Plant during a presentation to a media delegation that visited the plant on Thursday. The visit was organised by the Chinese Consulate in Lahore, in collaboration with the Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR), to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

Representing China Huaneng, a Fortune 500 company with a power generation capacity of over 220 million kilowatts spread across four continents, Chen Wei emphasised that modern technology has made coal power generation environmentally safe. Many developed countries, including Japan, have been installing new coal-fired power plants in recent years. Japan has launched eight new coal-burning power plants and plans to build 36 more in the next decade. The move contradicts a previous directive to reduce coal usage to just 10% of total electricity.

He pointed out that the Sahiwal Power Plant, with an investment of $1.782 billion, is the first high-efficiency and clean coal-fired power plant in Pakistan operational under the CPEC. It boasts the largest single-unit capacity, the most advanced technology, and the best environmental protection indicators, achieving 99.9% safe emissions.

The project involved the installation of two 660MW supercritical coal-fired power generating units and commenced commercial operation in October 2017, significantly fulfilling Punjab’s electricity demand.

The completion and commissioning of the Sahiwal Power Plant have bridged a quarter of the gap in Pakistan’s power grid and substantially alleviated power shortages. Since its operation began, the power plant has cumulatively generated 43.2 billion kilowatt-hours and contributed $750 million in taxes, playing a crucial role in promoting Pakistan’s economic development and improving people’s livelihoods.

The power plant has received more than 130 Chinese and foreign honours, including the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the ‘National Quality Project Gold Award’ – China’s highest award for engineering quality – and four consecutive Sustainable Development awards from Pakistan, along with the honorary title of ‘Most stable and reliable power plant’ from the state grid of Pakistan for four consecutive years.

Chen Wei highlighted that the Sahiwal Power Plant has always adhered to a “localisation” development strategy, actively training and employing local employees, and creating employment opportunities for the Pakistani people.

During the construction phase, the power plant engaged over 3,000 Pakistani employees, leading to as many families experiencing improved economic conditions, and over 10,000 people from the surrounding area securing employment.

During its operational phase, the power plant has actively promoted a localised management strategy and vigorously trained and employed Pakistani employees. Nearly 200 Pakistani employees underwent professional technical training in China, creating a team of high-tech talents with international vision and expertise in coal power management for Pakistan.

Through third-party service agencies, more than 900 local jobs were created. Currently, Pakistani employees constitute 76% of the total workforce in the power plant, and with the ongoing localisation efforts, this proportion will continue to increase.

Chen Wei announced a plan to hand over the management of the power plant to Pakistani professionals by the end of the current year, saying 300 Chinese employees will return to China.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2023.