MONITORING REPORT IBD: Pakistan can generate at least 1000 MWs out of Thar Coal reserves, however, at least $115 billion are required to materialise this project.
“Thar contains 175 billion tons reserves of coal, out of which 1000 MW power may be generated for the next 30 years,” said Dr Samar Mubarakmand, Member of the Science and Technology Planning Commission, in a recent interview to a private channel.
He revealed that the Thar coal project will become operational in December 2013 and bring prosperity in the country. “Pakistan has enough coal reserves that can provide electricity to the country for more than 500 years,” he said.
The development work is in progress, he said adding the first 50 megawatts gasified project has almost been completed. He said that the project is to cost Rs 8.898 billion with a foreign exchange component of Rs 5.847 billion.
Dr Mubarakmand said that the success of the Thar coal project would lead to investment from leading international companies.
He revealed that several foreign companies want to participate in the project and have shown interest in this regard.