SECMC to build power plant

LAHORE: The Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) plans to build a 600MW power plant in three-and-a-half years. It would later be expanded to 1200MW, yielding a power tariff of approximately 8 US cents per kWh. The plan was discussed at a meeting of the board of directors of the SECMC held on Wednesday with Zubair A. Motiwala to discuss the quarterly performance of the company and other matters. The meeting was informed that at ultimate capacity of a single mine, the SECMC would be able to produce 3600MW in less than 10 years at a power tariff below 6 US cents per kWh – cheaper than any other conventional fuel, including hydro-based power. The SECMC has mobilised its site team and completed demarcation and survey work for acquiring land to start mining works. The company has met several international and local financial institutions and investors who have expressed strong interest in financing the project. The board members appreciated the efforts of the Company to move the project in the right direction. The BoD chairman advised the company management to complete all formalities, including coal and power tariffapprovals and expedite efforts on achieving financial close, enabling start of mine construction within foreseeable future. The board also appreciated the role of Sindh government on the progress made on all the infrastructure projects, including road network rehabilitation, effluent disposal, fresh water supply schemes and construction of Islamkot Airport.