Thar coal is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Pakistan’s energy sector, with the potential to reshape the country’s economic landscape. At a seminar titled “Leveraging Indigenous Coal Resources for Sustainable Energy in Pakistan,” hosted by the US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), experts highlighted the strategic importance of shifting from imported coal to Thar’s indigenous reserves.
Economic Benefits and Cost Reduction
Said Ali Nawaz, Director General Coal at the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), emphasized that Thar coal could save Pakistan billions. The country has spent approximately $6 billion on coal imports over the last few years, but with the shift to Thar coal over the next five years, electricity prices could decrease significantly, potentially lowering the overall basket price by Rs2 to Rs3 through the conversion of three coal plants from imported to local coal.
Moving Towards Energy Independence
The seminar examined a whitepaper by USPCAS-E titled “Transition from Imported to Local Coal to Attain Energy Security in Pakistan: Opportunities & Challenges,” which advocates for a strategic shift to Thar coal. Pakistan’s Thar region, home to over 185 billion tonnes of coal, could generate 100,000 megawatts of electricity for over 200 years, substantially reducing the need for costly coal imports and bolstering national energy security.
Sindh’s Crucial Role in Pakistan’s Energy Future
Sindh, and particularly its Thar region, is central to this energy transition. The province’s abundant coal reserves are poised to drive Pakistan’s push for energy independence. Experts, including K-Electric’s Chief Strategy Officer Shahab Qader Khan, noted that Thar coal is at a pivotal stage of development. Its expansion is expected to create significant employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable growth in Sindh.
Salman Nazir, Head of Projects and Business Development at Renewable Resources (Pvt) Ltd, stressed that prioritizing local coal for power generation aligns with national interests. Thar coal is crucial to securing a stable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future for Pakistan, with Sindh leading the way.
In Summary
Thar coal is set to be a game-changer for Pakistan, offering a path to economic savings, energy security, and sustainable development. Sindh’s rich coal reserves are key to this transformation, positioning the province as a leader in the country’s quest for energy independence. As Pakistan continues to develop its indigenous coal resources, Thar coal will become increasingly vital in ensuring a secure and affordable energy supply for the nation.
