on thar

Estimated production of coal during 2006-07 is 5.1 million tonnes per annum as
compared to target of 5.2 million tonnes per annum showing 98 percent
achievement. In addition, the feasibility study being undertaken by Sui Northern Gas
Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) for setting up a pilot coal gasification plant at Bhakkar
would be completed. The project “Feasibility Study on Gasification of Thar Coal
Annual Plan 2007-08, Planning Commission 105
Energy
District Tharparkar, Sindh” is under execution to ascertain viability of gasification of
Thar Coal. The report of Phase I-A has been completed. The laboratory study has
shown that Thar Coal is feasible for gasification. The next phase 1-B is expected to
be completed in the first quarter of 2007-08. The current coal mining techniques in
the country are rudimentary; not even a single coalmine is mechanized. To enhance
the share of coal in primary energy mix, Thar Coal Mining Company (TCMC) has
been established. The prime objective of the company is to develop 5-6 million tone
per annum coal mine at Thar Coal Field with the help of international well reputed
firms/consultants.
Physical achievements of the fuel subsector for the year 2006-07 may be seen at
Annex 10.3.
Program for 2007-08
Power
An allocation of Rs 107,396 million (including Foreign aid of Rs 13,578 million) has
been made for the power sub-sector during 2007-08, including budgetary
corporations. This represents an increase of 77.3 percent over the allocation for
2006-07. The agency wise details are at Annex 10.2.
The maximum power demand of the country is expected to increase from 16,200 MW
in 2006-07 to 17,468 MW in 2007-08. An additional capacity of 421 MW is expected
to become available during the next year. This includes the Wind Mill Project (150
MW), Power from additional Gas Turbine (80 MW), Malakand-III hydropower project
(81 MW). The KESC system will get power from DHA Co-gen (combined cycle) (80
MW), Anode Power (30 MW) and from their own overhauled gas turbines (194 MW).
The target set for the total energy generation (including private sector) is 106,015
GWh in 2007-08, an increase of 7.7 percent over the energy generated in 2006-07.
During the year, 975,000 new electric connections would be provided by WAPDA
and KESC besides electrification of 15,000 new villages/abadies under the Khushal
Pakistan Program. In addition 26,800 homes will be provided lighting in the remote
locations during next year with the use of solar and micro wind turbines under the
program of Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB). Physical targets of the
power sector for the year 2007-08 are presented at Annex 10.1.