Coal-fired power plant introduces EVs for internal transport

Initiative aimed at preventing smog

LAHORE:

In view of rising smog levels across Punjab, the Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant (SCPP) has banned the use of vehicles dependent of fossil fuel within its premises and introduced electric carts for internal transport.

SCPP spokesperson Umair Shahid stated that the transition had significantly re-duced greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter and other air pollutants, im-proving air quality within the plant and in surrounding areas.

During a briefing to a delegation of academics and environmental experts, he highlighted the advanced technologies employed by the plant, which operates under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) programme.

He mentioned the use of Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) and Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) sys-tems to capture and remove pollutants, including particulate matter and sulfur dioxide, from exhaust gases.

As a result, the plant's emissions remain well below the limits set by the Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Bank and Chinese regulatory stand-ards.

"The introduction of electric vehicles for internal transport is a major step in re-ducing emissions. This move eliminates reliance on fuel-powered vehicles, aligning with the plant's commitment to sustainability and lowering its carbon footprint," the spokesperson said.

Additionally, the SCPP has undertaken a large-scale plantation drive to enhance the green cover in and around the facility. "Trees and plants play a vital role in combating smog and improving air quality," Shahid explained, adding that the ini-tiative actively involved employees in tree-planting efforts.

He said the plant had adhered to stringent environmental standards since it be-came operational in 2017. Its emissions consistently remain below the thresholds established by the World Bank, Japan and the European Union.