MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Mullane inaugurated the 330 MW ThalNova Power Plant of Thar Coal Block-II by pressing the computer button, reported 24NewSHD TV channel on Friday.
Earlier the inauguration was scheduled to perform by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah but his flight was cancelled owing to the weather condition. Hence, MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Mullane inaugurated the project on the behalf of the Sindh CM.
Kamran Kamal and Salim Ullah Memon briefed the guests about the project.
However, the CM Sindh in a video message said on the occasion of inauguration that the production of electricity from local coal will lessen the dependence on imported fuel, and that ThalNova has created hundreds of direct employment opportunities for local people.
Terming the power plant a game changer, the CM Murad noted that with the inauguration of 330 MW today, the production of electricity from Thar Coal has increased to about 3000 MW, adding, 100,000 megawatts of electricity can be generated from Thar reservoirs for 200 years.
The Sindh CM also anticipated that the use of Thar coal will bring an energy revolution in Pakistan, moreover, it will save the government 6 billion dollars on fuel imports.
He also added that ThalNova Power Project is basically an extension of of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but regrettably, it was delayed due to COVID.
He claimed that ThalNova will generate electricity from the coal of Thar Block-II bringing the cost of energy from that block down to Rs.9 per kilowatt hour.
It merits here to mention that the cost of imported coal plants is approximately 25-30 rupees per kilowatt.
Reporter: Sudheer Rathore