GROUND BREAKING OF 300 MW COAL

4th November 2019: Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has grabbed another success in the field of power sector today. A 300 MW coal power project at Gwadar has entered in advance stages of development as its ground breaking ceremony was performed today in Gwadar. The ceremony was attended by Chairman Senate Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar, Vice Chairman National Development & Reform Commission Mr. Ning Jizhe, Ambassadors of China and Pakistan, senior officials representing Federal Government of Pakistan as well as Provincial Government of Balochistan and members of Chinese delegation. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of PPIB.         

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Senate termed Gwadar a gateway to progress and prosperity of not only Pakistan but the entire region. Being a native of Balochistan, Mr. Sanjrani said seeing Gwadar turn into a major port city in the future gave him immense pride and satisfaction. He said that the people of Balochistan are committed to join hands with Chinese for further development.

Minister for Planning said that benefits of CPEC are being reaped as various projects under this monumental framework are being completed or nearing completion. He stated that the incumbent Government has accelerated the pace of CPEC projects which is evident from the inauguration of this coal power plant.  The other speakers also addressed to the gathering, shared their feelings and paid gratitude to the China Communications Construction Company Limited for sponsoring this high value Project. 

The establishment of power plant is crucial to make Gwadar self-sufficient in electricity, as it is currently relying on the 100 MW imported electricity from Iran. It will not only deliver 300 MW to the system but will also be instrumental in flourishing economic activities in Gwadar which features heavily in CPEC and envisages to be a crucial link between the One Belt One Road and Maritime Silk Road Project.

The letter of interest for the 300 MW coal-fired power project was issued by PPIB on 26th May 2017 while Letter of Support was issued on 23rd August 2019. The Project is being sponsored by China Communications Construction Company with an investment of US$ 400 million and it is targeted to be completed by last quarter of 2022. In this regard, PPIB is diligently processing this project under the provisions of Power Generation Policy 2015 for its smooth and timely completion.