KARACHI: As many as 24 independent power producers (IPPs) in Sindh are generating 1,235MW through wind energy while work is in progress on an additional 610MW, shared provincial energy secretary Abu Bakar Ahmed Madni at a briefing held with civil society organisations at a local hotel.

The meeting was organised by The Knowledge Forum and attended by the representatives of Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy (ACJCE) and Renewable Energy Coalition (REC).

“The additional 610MW from wind energy would be generated from by 12 IPPs. This included 300MW power generation through four Chinese consortium companies under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” Mr Madni said, adding that the province had the potential of generating 55,000MW through the Jhimpir-Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor alone.

So far, he pointed out, the provincial government had issued 61 letters of intent for the development of renewable energy projects. Over 1,000 acres had been leased out to companies and more than 40,000 acres reserved for renewable energy parks.

“Sindh is the first to establish its power transmission and dispatch company in the country. The first project of 132KV double circuit 95km-long line from Nooriabad to Karachi was completed over three years ago and the Sindh Transmission and Distribution Company is transmitting 100MW to K-Electric.”

Sharing progress in the solar sector, he said some off-grid energy projects had been completed as pilot projects between 2014-2016. This included the electrification of 350 schools in Nangarparkar taluka in Tharparkar district, 140 houses in Sanghar district and five villages in Ghotki district.

“At least two companies are working on the production of 100MW at Gharo. At least three projects with a generating capacity of 150MW are under construction.”

On the coal-fired power plants, the official said two power plants with a capacity of 330MW each at Block-2 of Thar coal field were producing power, which were linked with the national grid.

The provincial government’s energy department, he said, planned to dedicate the 6th Block for producing gas through coal under the coal-gasification method.

“This gasification method would be different from the earlier plant which was installed by nuclear scientist Dr Samar Mubarkmand. This coal gasification would be made from the coal extracted through open-pit mining,” he explained.

Talking about replacing the imported coal with Thar coal, he said it had been decided that 20 per cent coal requirement would be fulfilled by Thar coal and reliance on the imported coal would be reduced.

Anis Haroon, a member of the National Commission for Human Rights, called for addressing Thar communities’ concerns over coal-fired power plants, emphasizing that the government should look into their grievances and shift focus from coal to solar energy in Thar.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2022