March 19, 2019 (MLN): Engro Powergen Thar Private Limited (EPTL) – one of the early harvest projects of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – has successfully synchronized the first two units of 330 Mega Watts (MW) each, of its power plant on Thar coal.
It was a watershed moment in Tharparkar when electricity from the first unit was successfully pumped into the system by Engro Powergen Thar (Private) Limited (EPTL), realizing the nation’s dream of producing electricity through Thar coal.
EPTL – the majority owned company of Engro Energy Limited, tested and energized the first unit of 330MW of the combined 660MW power plant – located in Thar Block II.
The successful synchronization happened amidst presence of senior officials of the Company and from China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) – the EPC contractor of the project.
Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) Thar lauded the action and stated that Engro has redefined history with this success. This synchronization proves that Thar coal is well suited to produce electricity.
“Great day for the energy sector of Pakistan. EPTL has redefined Pakistan’s energy landscape and secured the country’s energy future on an indigenous, native footing which will reduce Pakistan’s dependence on foreign fuel mix,” said SECMC Thar on its official social media handle.
EPTL power plant will utilize 3.8MTPA of coal supplied by SECMC as both projects achieve their commercial operations date (COD) in June 2019.
Together both the mining and power projects, managed by Engro Energy, will be able to bring average foreign exchange savings of up to USD 1.6 billion per annum thereby delivering on Company’s promise of producing electricity which is from indigenous resources; is abundantly available and is economical.
Post-COD, EPTL plant will evacuate 660MW of electricity through a 282-km long 500 kV Double Circuit Quad-Bundle transmission line from EPTL plant to Matiari in Sindh province.
The power plant – although first for Pakistan to run on Thar coal – complies with all local environmental laws and has voluntarily adopted various international compliance standards.
Celebrating this transformational event, the President of Engro Corporation, Ghias Khan said: “The first sync of the power plant on Thar coal is truly a momentous occasion for entire Pakistan. The synchronization of the first unit of the 660MW power plant is both testament to Engro’s capacity to engineer excellence and deliver on this project of national importance which will ensure the energy security of the county.”
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