Punjab government to set up LNG power plant near Sheikhupura: Shahbaz

Punjab government has decided to set up LNG power plant near Sheikhupura and more than 1000MW electricity would be generated from this plant. This was stated by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while addressing a meeting, held here on Saturday to review the progress on energy projects in the province. Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also participated in the meeting.
The meeting agreed upon taking all necessary measures regarding speedy progress for early completion of energy projects. "The Federal Cabinet has given approval to setting up of LNG power plant projects at three different places in Punjab and a total of 3,600 megawatt electricity will be generated from these projects," he added. He thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for granting approval to the provision of 200MMCFD LNG to Punjab. He expressed the hope that a number of energy projects would generate electricity during next three years and the people will be provided relief by reducing energy crisis. "Every moment of the nation is precious and the energy projects will be executed transparently and speedily," he added.
The Chief Minister directed the departments concerned should immediately take necessary steps for LNG power plants and work should be started for laying pipelines and up-gradation of transmission lines at the earliest. He said energy projects of LNG will be completed on fast track. He also said 100MW solar project has been completed in a record period of six months at Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park, Bahawalpur. "It is the first and biggest solar project in the history of the country. The Prime Minister will soon inaugurate this project," he added.
According to him, work is continuing on the project of generating energy through indigenous coal with the co-operation of China in Salt Range. All out resources will be provided for ensuring speedy completion of energy projects. Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi assured all possible co-operation to the Punjab Chief Minister for early completion of energy projects.
Attorney General of Pakistan, Provincial Minister for Minerals Chaudhary Sher Ali, MNA Hamza Shahbaz, Members Provincial Assembly Rana Sanaullah, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Federal Secretary for Water and Power, Chairman NEPRA, Managing Directors NTDC, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd, NESPAK, PPIB besides officials of Federal and Provincial governments concerned attended the meeting.
In a separate meeting, the Chief Minister expressed determination to eliminate energy crisis for rapid development of the country. He said completion of energy projects expeditiously is our mission and we are marching forward seriously for overcoming energy crisis.
The meeting discussed various proposals for setting up of Punjab Energy Projects Development Fund. The meeting was attended by MPA Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Shaukat Tareen, Chairman Planning and Development, Additional Chief Secretary Energy, Secretary Finance, President Bank of Punjab and senior officials of various banks attended the meeting.