Jamshoro’s new coal-fired power plant set to begin operations

KARACHI: The new Unit-I of the coal-fired power plant in Jamshoro is set to begin operations shortly following a successful trial conducted a few weeks ago.

The plant is awaiting its formal inauguration and will operate using 80 per cent imported coal and 20 per cent local coal. Funded by the Asian Development Bank and owned by the government of Pakistan, the plant utilizes advanced supercritical technology designed to improve energy efficiency. Officials involved in the project highlighted that this plant marks a significant technological advancement and is a strategic asset for the energy sector.

This unit, with a capacity of 660MW, is the first of its kind, with plans to develop a second unit of the same capacity in the future. The plant is expected to bolster the country’s energy security.

Despite the anticipated benefits, there are concerns about potential environmental impacts due to the plant’s reliance on coal. However, project officials have addressed these concerns, asserting that all environmental issues have been thoroughly considered and mitigated.

Mehwish Laghari, an environmental expert at the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED), shared her concerns about the environmental impact of the coal-based plant. She noted that the original Jamshoro power plant units used furnace oil and gas, but the new coal plant underwent an environmental impact assessment (EIA) where some issues may not have been fully addressed.

Laghari mentioned that the first 660 MW unit is complete, with plans to develop an additional unit. She also highlighted that land acquisition for an ash pond, which requires 100 acres, is still awaiting approval from the Sindh cabinet.

She explained that while the ADB has funded the project for imported coal, transitioning entirely to local coal would require ADB’s approval. Laghari also pointed out that using 20 per cent Thar coal could have environmental repercussions due to transportation issues.

Officials, however, have assured that the plant will not pose significant environmental or social risks. They stated that the Sindh government has been approached to allocate land for the ash pond, and the ash will be transported to cement and construction block factories, where it can be used beneficially.

They emphasized that ADB has prioritized environmental and social considerations in the project, which is why supercritical technology was chosen to minimize environmental risks associated with coal burning.