Coal power plants — need of the hour

A recent World Bank report states that in Pakistan, “Over a third of the nation lacks electricity access and extended hours of load shedding are the norm, even in areas connected to the grid.”

The Economic Survey of Pakistan estimates that “the energy shortfall has resulted in financial losses of between two to three per cent of the national Gross Domestic Product”.

 “Coal Fired Power Plants currently produce 41% of Global Electricity” (Source: World Coal Association)

Pakistan is facing an acute electricity shortfall of more than 7000 MW during peak load season. This scenario requires urgent action to ease the shortfall, and it cannot be provided only through renewable energy sources due to their unreliability of continuous supply of electricity. Coal has been the predominant and cheapest source of fossil fuel energy for a better part of the post industrial revolution era in all of the major developed countries, and it will continue to be so in the near future. 33% of the electricity generated in the US is from coal. There has to be a balance between the environment and the economy. Using cleaner coal and better technology can mitigate all the adverse environmental impacts linked with coal. The power shortfall in Pakistan cannot be reduced only through renewable energy, it needs to broaden its energy mix and use different resources available to manage and reduce this shortfall.

Sahiwal Power Plant uses China’s highly efficient and the most developed technology for the implementation of this project. The Sahiwal Coal Power Plant is the first power plant in the country to use super-critical technology which is more efficient and less harmful to the environment. Efficiency gains in electricity generation from coal-fired power stations will play a crucial part in reducing CO2 emissions and coal consumption at a global level.

“A one percentage point improvement in the efficiency of a conventional pulverized coal combustion plant results in a 2-3% reduction in CO2 emissions.” (Source: World Coal Association)

Sahiwal Power Plant has installed equipment to treat the flue gas before it is released into the air, the equipment include Low NOx Burners, electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and flue gas desulphurization (FGD). These emissions control and treatment technologies will also capture the dust, particulate matter, heavy metals and prevent them from going into the air. Domestic and Industrial waste water treatment plants are also installed to treat the waste water before reuse. Producing cleaner energy is one of the core objectives of the project company. All the emissions from the power plant are more critical within the limitations of National Environment Quality Standards (NEQS). A 1320 MW project generating electricity around the clock will reduce the energy shortfall to a considerable extent. This project will not only add power to the national grid, but also serve as a boost to the local economy by providing employment opportunities to the local community nearby the power plant. Energy from coal, if used with advanced technology and proper treatment measures, can help the country to overcome the electricity shortfall. This is an untapped resource that Pakistan needs to utilize to improve its economy and light up its faltering industry and millions of families.

Wang Jun

Project Manager of Sahiwal Power Plantwjg_rz@163.com