“After the successful commercial operation of EPTL 2x330MW Power Plant on 10th July 2019, TEL Power Plant on 1st October 2022 and ThalNova Power Plant on 17th February 2023, the three power generation facilities in Thar Block-II are fully capable of generating gross output of 1,320MW to promote power utilization in Pakistan."  This was stated by Zhang Ke, spokesperson of the TEL and ThalNova Power Plant project in an interview with Gwadar Pro.

Zhang said that during the entire course of construction and commissioning, the TEL and ThalNova Projects have created thousands of jobs for the locals.  At the peak stage, there were more than 1,200 Chinese and over 5,000 Pakistani employees working at the site, including engineers, laborers and security personnel.

He said that upon the accomplishment of these projects utilizing local coal resources, Pakistan will be able to ease its long-term reliance on imported coal for power generation, which will considerably reduce Pakistan's foreign currency expenditure. He believed that the benefits of cheaper electricity will boost the economy locally and nationally, with more investment opportunities, more infrastructures, more jobs, and more consumption that will bring the economy to a more virtuous circle.

Upon the success of the Reliable RUN TEST (RRT) of the ThalNova 1X330MW Power Plant project, the spokesperson confirmed that during action, all systems were satisfying, and all tests on environmental protection, stability, safety, economic efficiency etc., were qualified on relevant standards and contractual requirements.

He conveyed that during the construction of these CPEC projects, employment opportunities and skill training were offered to local citizens, and better income improved their living standards. Zhang said that his company also funded several schools in the Thar region that offer better education for the children.

"We believe that the people in Thar will all have a brighter future. CPEC not only facilitates the industrialization, economy, and livelihood of the people, but also lays the foundation for exploring more opportunities and strengthens the bond of Pakistan-China friendship," he concluded.

As part of the prioritized projects of CPEC, two thermal power plant projects utilizing Pakistani local coal resource in Thar Coal Mine Block-II, namely TEL and ThalNova 1x330MW Power Plant, were mobilized and commenced in May 2018 and March 2019 respectively, at Thar Block-II, 450km southeast of Karachi, Sindh. The projects were led by Thar Energy Limited and ThalNova Power Thar (Private) Limited while China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) and China-East Resources Import & Export Corporation (CERIEC) are the primary contractors.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP