Thar coal to fuel 660MW Jamshoro power plant

Stakeholders have agreed to accelerate arrangements to supply indigenous Thar coal to the 660MW Jamshoro Power Project, a move expected to reduce reliance on imported fuel and generate an estimated USD 3.2 billion in economic savings over the plant's remaining operational life.

 

The agreement was reached during a meeting attended by representatives of K-Electric (KE), the Thar Coal Energy Board (TCEB), Sino Sindh Resources Ltd (SSRL), Jamshoro Power Company Ltd (JPCL) and the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB).

 

Discussions focused on coal supply for the project's interim blended-coal operations and its planned conversion to 100% Thar coal by 2029. The transition also supports K-Electric's broader strategy to increase the use of indigenous fuel in its generation portfolio.

 

K-Electric Chairman Shaheryar Arshad Chishty said a feasibility study conducted by Germany's Dornier Power and Heat GmbH confirmed that the conversion is both technically and economically viable, with projected savings of USD 3.2 billion and significant reductions in foreign exchange outflows.

 

To support future demand, SSRL said it is prepared to expand production at Thar Block-1 from 7.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 15.6 MTPA, using electric mining equipment and modern excavators to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

 

The participants agreed to finalise a coal supply agreement in the near term, while the Thar Coal Energy Board pledged regulatory support to facilitate the transition and help lower electricity tariffs for consumers.