Pakistan's Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has given its approval for the construction of a 1400 MW coal-fired power plant at Thar.
The project is the second Thar coal based independent power project (IPP) approved by the Board of the PPIB following the 660 MW Engro power project, and will help Pakistan to make use of its cheap coal resources.
China's Shanghai Electric Group Company will build the project, which has been designated priority status under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) programme. Electricity generation from Thar would start in 2017-2018, said PPIB.
The PPIB board has also given its approval to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between PPIB, China Three Gorges Corporation and Silk Road Fund for the development of hydropower plants in Pakistan.