LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has given approval for two additional coal-fired power plants in Gadani under independent power producer (IPP) mode.

The prime minister was presiding over a meeting to review the pace of work on Gadani power project here on Saturday.

He said sufficient funds would be allocated for the projects. He also appreciated Chinese investment in energy sector and especially Gadani Power Park.

Sharif said attractive tariff had drawn foreign investors in coal-fired power projects.

Earlier, the premier was given a briefing on the status of the project. He was informed that the feasibility study of the infrastructure installation would be completed by the end of next month which included geo-technical investigation, water resource survey, jetty break water and cooling water intake system.

The environment impact system study will be completed by June 30.

The work on land levelling and grading on the site would start within three weeks and completed in as many months. The prime minister was also briefed about the coal handling and conveying system infrastructure would be installed in 22 months. Similarly, jetty breakwater and allied infrastructure would be completed in 32 months.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2014