SECMC commissions largest private solar plant

KARACHI: Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) has commissioned Pakistan’s largest private solar power plant in Thar Coal Block II, as part of its eco-friendly efforts, a statement said on Wednesday.

“The SECMC has hired Reon Energy Ltd to install 5 megawatt solar power plant, which is the biggest solar energy project for captive utilisation to date,” the company said in the statement.

The statement said the plant would provide considerable savings in energy-costs, along with an expected reduction of 3,150 metric tons in the annual carbon emissions.

“The solar energy system will contribute benefits equivalent to planting of about 220,000 trees and will be the largest private solar PPA in the country,” said Abul Fazl Rizvi, the chief operating officer SECMC, after signing the agreement with Mujtaba Haider Khan, CEO Reon Energy.

Rizvi said it was also the first-ever initiative by a mining company in Pakistan to install solar power plant for it mining operations.

“The SECMC will have the option to extend the contract during or after project completion, wherein Reon will operate the plant for a period of 15 years before handing over its operations to SECMC,” the statement said.

The CEO of Reon Energy, Mujtaba Haider Khan said Pakistan enjoyed a geostrategic advantage for producing abundant amounts of solar energy.

“Advancement in solar technology has not only improved solar power’s efficiency but has also led to a massive reduction in costs,” Khan said and added that it was a landmark project that would significantly reduce the operating cost and carbon footprint.

He further said it would provide dozens of skilled and unskilled jobs for the locals.

“SECMC and Engro Energy are on a mission to transform the lives of ordinary Tharis and Reon Energy is proud to be partnering with them on that mission,” Khan remarked.