ISLAMABAD: The government has finalised sites for installation of thermal power plants based on regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) to produce 600MW electricity.

The information was revealed at a high-level meeting presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar here on Saturday.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as well as senior officers of the ministries of finance, water & power, petroleum & natural resources, Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC) attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed progress regarding 1,000MW power projects, envisaged to supplement efforts aimed at filling the gap in the electricity’s demand and supply in the country.

PPIB Managing Director Shah Jahan Mirza gave an update on activities carried out as against the timelines agreed for implementation of the projects. He stated that sites had been finalised for installation of projects of 600MW, whereas arrangements for gas supply as well as power evacuation were already in place.

Mr Mirza said sites for the remaining projects had also been identified, which will be finalised shortly keeping in view the aspects of availability of gas and power transmission infrastructure. The meeting was further informed that all activities were being carried out as per the agreed timelines and no delay had been encountered so far.

Regular consultation was being made with all relevant departments and stakeholders, he said.

The meeting expressed satisfaction on the progress of the planned projects and stressed that timelines be strictly adhered to in future as well, so that the projects can come on stream as planned.

The finance minister called upon the ministries of water & power and petroleum & natural resources to maintain close coordination for achieving speedy progress on the proposed power plants.

He emphasised that complete transparency and efficiency should be ensured in undertaking the projects.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2016