Sahiwal Coal Power Plant Strengthens Pakistan’s Energy Security: PCJCCI

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has described the China-backed Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant as one of the most successful flagship projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying it has played a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s energy security, promoting industrial development, and supporting long-term economic growth.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said the 1,320-megawatt power plant, developed by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi, has been supplying reliable electricity to the national grid since beginning commercial operations in 2017. He noted that the project has significantly reduced the country’s power shortage, improved industrial productivity, boosted investor confidence, and ensured uninterrupted electricity supply for key sectors of the economy.
He stressed that Pakistan’s future economic growth depends on continued investment in modern energy infrastructure. According to him, as industrialization expands and electricity demand increases, more large-scale energy projects should be developed under Pakistan-China cooperation to provide reliable and affordable power for manufacturing, exports, digital transformation, and sustainable economic development.
PCJCCI Vice President Amir Ali said the Sahiwal project has contributed to the national economy through tax revenues, local procurement, business opportunities, and the growth of supporting industries. He added that the project has generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs during both its construction and operational phases while also providing technical training to Pakistani engineers and technicians.
Commercial Ambassador Adeel Munawar highlighted that the plant showcases China’s advanced engineering expertise by utilizing modern supercritical coal-fired technology, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces coal consumption compared to conventional thermal power plants.
He further said the facility is equipped with advanced environmental protection systems, including Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP), Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), ensuring compliance with internationally recognized environmental standards. He emphasized that Pakistan should continue attracting Chinese investment in clean coal technologies, hydropower, renewable energy, energy storage systems, and smart transmission networks.
PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif stated that Pakistan requires a diversified, reliable, and sustainable energy mix to support industrial expansion, agriculture, digital infrastructure, urban development, and future Special Economic Zones (SEZs). While renewable energy remains important, he said efficient baseload projects like the Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant are essential for maintaining grid stability and uninterrupted electricity supply.
He concluded that the success of the Sahiwal project should serve as a model for future Pakistan-China collaboration under CPEC, helping strengthen Pakistan’s energy security, accelerate industrialization, attract foreign investment, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic prosperity.