ISLAMABAD: Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Tuesday private or public investment could be made available for a coal gasification project in Thar once it was found commercially feasible.

Chairing a meeting to review progress on the project, Mr Iqbal sought details of financial modelling, cost calculations and evaluation of the scientific model for making the project commercially viable after validation of its technological model.

“Since the prototype has been developed and functional, a business model must be prepared now. To dispel any negative perception about the project, we must have a scientific validation of the project by a panel of eminent experts.”

Briefing the minister, project head Dr Samar Mubarakmand said synthetic gas (syngas) purification plants, eight power generators and horizontal directional drilling machinery had been installed, while power production of 5MW began in May last year. Eight more generators and other machinery would be installed in the near future, he said.

He said 322 million cubic feet gas could be produced along with other materials, including diesel. The plant was not emitting environmentally hazardous gases since the whole process was being done underground, he added.

Mr Iqbal said he would visit the project site soon to see the processes of generating gas and electricity. Pakistan has very talented engineers who could find solutions to problems in a cost-effective manner. The government is focussing on developing strong technological base for future knowledge economy of Pakistan,” he said.

He said the development of Thar coal power plants was top priority of the government as 175 billion tonnes of lignite could help produce 5,000MW annually for 400 years.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2016

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