PAKISTAN’S first coal-power plant will start production in May and it will be a huge milestone in the history of Sino-Pak relations.
However, there are many detractors who are crying themselves hoarse over the pollution to be caused by the burning of coal and its waste residue.
All these fears are false and have nothing to do with reality. I had similar reservations but after joining this plant as a trainee engineer and specifically in the ‘fiue gas desulfurization’ department, I learnt that this plant is using the latest technology which will not only reduce pollutants considerably but also convert raw waste material into useful products like ‘gypsum’ besides the ash from burnt coal will be used in making ash bricks and as a raw material in the cement industry. Furthermore, the company has planted more than 35,000 saplings of different species to reduce the effects of carbon emissions.
The Sahiwal coal power plant will help reduce power shortages in the area besides providing power to industry, thus generating thousands of additional jobs.
Fahad Mehmood Khan Sahiwal