Pakistan coal-to-electricity energy storage equipment

Why is coal a major energy source in Pakistan?

Coal is one of the major energy sources that fuels the economy. The two biggest consumers of coal in Pakistan are power and cement sector. Coal consumption in power sector has increased over the last six years as more coal based power based plants were installed.

How many coal power plants are there in Pakistan?

Four coal power plants – the Huaneng Shandong Ruyi-Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, the Port Qasim Coal-fired Power Plant, the HubCo Coal-fired Power Plant, and the Sindh-Engro Thar Coal Power Plant – have become operational since 2017. Furthermore, Pakistan is gearing up to commission five new coal power plants, adding 2,970 MW within the next two years.

How much coal did Pakistan import?

That said, during the same fiscal year, Pakistan imported around 6.6 million tonnes of coal, signifying that imported coal remains an important part of the energy mix. Pakistan has made notable progress in coal-based power generation.

Is coal a cost-effective alternative to imported energy in Pakistan?

Traditionally, Pakistan has been reliant on imported energy sources to meet its needs. However, over the past years the country has increasingly turned to coal as a cost-effective alternative to reduce dependency on expensive imports.

Where does coal come from in Pakistan?

Coal production in Pakistan predominantly serves power generation plants in the Thar Coalfield. In contrast, coal from other fields primarily goes to brick kilns. Imported coal is channeled into power plants, cement manufacturing facilities, and steel-producing industries.

How has Pakistan made progress in coal-based power generation?

Pakistan has made notable progress in coal-based power generation. With an installed capacity of 3,300 MW from five power plants using Thar coal and an additional 3,960 MW from imported coal sources, the nation has made significant strides expanding capacity.