Punjab govt to launch three gas-based power projects: Shahbaz

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Sunday that the provincial government will soon launch three projects for the generation of 3,600 megawatts electricity through gas.
He said the government was utilising all possible resources under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to resolve the energy crisis. He said that serious efforts made by the government regarding the energy projects are unprecedented in the history of the country. He said that all necessary measures are being taken for coping with the energy crisis for speedy development.
According to a handout, the chief minister said that work is being carried out expeditiously on power projects based on coal, gas, hydel, solar and other alternative sources while planning had been made for generation of 3,600 megawatts electricity from gas in the province under which the Punjab government will set up 1,200 megawatt gas-based projects in the Bhikki area of Sheikhupura with its own resources whereas the federal government will set up a gas power project of 1,200 megawatt in Balloki and 1,200 megawatt gas power project in Haveli Bahadur Shah, Jhang.
The chief minister expressed these views while presiding over a high-level meeting in which progress of gas-based power projects in the Punjab were considered.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that measures were being taken speedily for the early completion of energy projects and in order to resolve the energy crisis, 3,600MW gas-based power projects were being set up in the Punjab. He said that feasibility reports of these three projects of generation of electricity from gas had been prepared. He said that last year, precious time of the nation and the country was wasted due to which projects were delayed. However, he said, with new determination and hard work, the lost time will be made up and no effort will be spared for the elimination of energy crisis. The chief minister directed that all necessary issues regarding gas-based energy projects should be disposed off as early as possible and as every moment is precious, time should be saved where possible. He directed that concerned federal and provincial institutions should further these projects with coordination and matters regarding these projects should be completed within the stipulated period. Secretary Water and Power, chairman Punjab Power Development Company, secretary Energy, secretary Agriculture, DG LDA, CEO Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and senior officials of concerned federal and provincial departments participated in the meeting.