PM Shehbaz inaugurates 1,650 MW coal-fired power plants in Thar

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated two coal-fired power plants in Sindh’s Tharparkar with a capacity of 1,650 megawatt of electricity generation, saying that the “projects would turn the desert into an economic hub”. The projects, including the 1,320 megawatt Shanghai Electric power plant and 330 MW Thal Nova power plant, will annually generate 11.24 billion units of low-cost electricity. Through a direct investment of $3.53 billion into these projects, the production of coal-based electricity in Thar will increase by up to 3,300 MW. Addressing the launch event in the Islamkot area of Thar, the premier said “it was a moment of celebration for the entire country that the desert of Tharparkar was getting a source of basic facilities for life”. LIVE #APPNews : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses inaugural ceremony of Two – Coal fired Electricity generation projects in Tharparker Sindh https://t.co/HCjnbOXjBr — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) March 22, 2023 Read: Third power plant launched on Thar coal Dismissing criticism by a section of people against Thar coal, the prime minister termed it a blessing with immense potential for power generation. He expressed confidence that the 'journey of progress' would spread across the country and would strengthen the national economy. The premier also announced a hospital for the people of the region which will be funded by the federal government. Shehbaz furthered that by April 30, the power turbines would be installed at the plants to generate electricity, which would then be supplied to the rest of the country. He also expressed gratitude to the government of China for extending support to Pakistan in carrying out development projects under the CPEC. The premier vowed that the coalition government would put in all efforts to materialize CPEC projects, with the agriculture sector getting priority in the next phase. The prime minister, addressing the attendees of the event, said no one was above the law and would not be allowed to support terrorists and use them as shields. Condemning yesterday’s terrorist incidents that targeted military personnel, he said the malicious agenda of the enemies of Pakistan would be foiled. Also read: There is more to Thar coal than power Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the project could be materialized as the federal government and the Sindh government worked in harmony to facilitate the masses. He expressed satisfaction over the level of cooperation between Pakistan and China on carrying out development projects, which he said, had resulted in the improvement of health and educational facilities. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the political and economic interests of Pakistan and China were aligned for the benefit of the two nations. He termed the completion of the Thar Coal project a success for all stakeholders from both countries. Chinese Charge d’Affaires Pang Chunxue said the commercial operation of the Thar coal project ranked high among other coal-fired power plants. She assured all possible cooperation by the government of China in the field of development and progress.

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