Sindh, home to one of the largest indigenous coal reserves in Thar and significant renewable energy potential, is poised to become Pakistan’s energy hub. Speaking at the Sindh Energy Diversity Conference, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted that Thar’s coal deposits are comparable to those of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait in terms of energy reserves.

Originally conceived in the 1990s, the Thar coal project has successfully emerged through a public-private partnership led by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC). Thar coal currently generates 1320 MW of low-cost electricity, benefiting households and industries across Pakistan.

Sindh Minister Nasir Hussain Shah announced plans for coal gasification to extend coal utilisation to sectors such as fertilisers and cement, thereby enhancing food security through increased urea production for farmers.

SECMC’s CEO, Amir Iqbal, highlighted the success of Thar Block II, which has powered over 3 million households and saved approximately USD 1.6 billion in foreign exchange, marking six years of commercial operations. Additionally, ongoing investments in education and healthcare in the region support the government’s solarisation efforts.