'ECC can fix upfront tariff on coal-based power plants'

The Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) can fix upfront tariff rate on power generated through coal deposits in Sindh in case National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) further delays the matter.
This was stated on Wednesday by Sindh Mines and Mineral Development Secretary Abdul Hameed Akhund while giving recommendations at the concluding session of two-day symposium on Sindh coal (lignite) mining: challenges and success organised by Mines and Mineral Development Department and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Giving recommendations submitted by experts, Abdul Hameed Akhund said all participants were unanimous on a point that Sindh government should adopt a comprehensive coal mining policy to enhance mining in Sindh.
He deplored that only 1 percent of national power was being produced by coal as compared to India where 71 percent power generated through coal while all over the world 41 percent electricity was being generated through this source.
"All investors and experts are also united on the point that Private Power and Infrastructure Board should chalk out new coal energy policy making all relating matters clear and easy," Akhund said. He said that Public-Private Partnership Fund could be utilised for study on coal-based projects.
Referring to delaying tactics by Nepra, Sindh Mines and Mineral Development Minister Irfan Marwat on the occasion reiterated that the Centre should change its mindset over the core issue of power generation through indigenous coal reserves of the province.
"Concrete steps are expected to be taken by the end of next week regarding finalisation of upfront tariff," he hoped and added that the committee comprising himself and Mukhtar Ahmed, the PM's advisor on power would meet Nepra Chairman on Saturday, November 3 or upcoming Monday.
Marwat termed dependence on oil, gas and water for power generation as costly venture and asked the stakeholders concerned to switch to coal-based power projects as quickly as possible. The minister called for one-window operation for groups or firms keen to invest in coal-based project either in coal exploration or power generation.
Syed Abbas Ali Shah, Director General Sindh Coal Authority said that federal government should facilitate the investors intending to invest in developing coal reserves of the province. He further stressed upon devising policy on underground coal mining on an emergency basis.
He revealed that all experts and firms working on coal-based power projects had recommended that upfront tariff should be somewhere around 9 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).
Regarding availability of water in Thar and other provincial coalfields, Abbas Shah said that a report was being prepared about rechargability of underground saline water in the respective fields.