Thar Coal Power generation through coal gasification project completion

20 Feb, 2011

The project approved by the concerned quarters was jointly launched by Planning Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and National Engineering and Scientific Commission last year to produce electricity by utilizing Thar coal reserves.Under the project, the coal would not be mined rather plants would be installed on deposits to produce gas in a most sophisticated manner.

The Thar coal reserves worth $ 25 trillion have potential to generate 5,000 MW electricity for at least 800 years to meet growing energy demand of the country.The sources said the power generated from coal gasification would be the cheapest than other sources like furnace oil, natural gas and hydel.

They said just 2 per cent usage of Thar coal could produce 20,000 Megawatts electricity.They said inexpensive production of electricity would bring an industrial revolution in the country, putting it on consistent path to progress and prosperity.According to a report, a single reserve in Thar has about 850 trillion cubic feet coal (TCF), which is far better than approximately 375 Billion Barrels of Saudi of Suadi Arabia and Iran if put together.

"The coal deposits in Thar can change fate of the country if utilized in a proper way. It can save oil import bill, reduce unemployment ratio and help strengthen economy and rupee," according to Pakistan Economy Watch.The sources said it was an indigenous project of the country and no any formal agreement has so far been made for foreign assistance in power generation through Thar coal reserves.However, they said China Kingho Group expressed interest in Thar Coal project.

Pakistan is the second country in the world having huge coal reserves which should be used in a fair and transparent manner for the welfare and betterment of mankind and to overcome prevalent energy crisis by producing cheaper electricity.Russia, Central Asian Republic, Europe, UK, Canada, Australia, China and South Africa are getting thousands megawatts power from underground coal gasification.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011 

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