'Thar coal reserves to generate 1,000MW electricity for 30 years'

Member of the Science and Technology Planning Commission Dr Samar Mubarakmand on Monday said that at least 1,000 megawatts could be generated out of Thar Coal reserves. Talking to a private news channel, he said that at least, dollars 115 billion were required to materialise this project.
He added that Thar contained 175 billion ton reserves of coal, out of which 1,000 MW electric power might be gennerated for the next 30 years To a question, he said Thar coal project would become operational in December 2013 and bring prosperity in the country. "Pakistan has enough coal reserves that can provide electricity to the country for more than 500 years," he said.
He said that development work was in progress and the first 50 MW gasified project had almost been completed. He said the project was to cost Rs 8.898 billion with a foreign exchange component of Rs 5.847 billion that was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council last year. To another question, Dr Mubarakmand said the success of the Thar coal project would lead to investment from leading international companies.