Thar coal mining project in Pakistan | Updates & Discussions.

[niaz]

According to the info obtained from the Central Statistical Office of Pakistan last year, total production of coal in Pakistan was about 4-million metric tons and consumption about 8- millions tons. Nearly half of the production comes from Baluchistan. Rest is shared between Punjab and Sind. Imports from South Africa & Indonesia.

Best quality coal is from Makerwal with about 50% carbon content. Next in quality is coal produced in Baluchistan. Both are sub bituminous type coals. Sind coal is mostly Lignite with less than 30% carbon content and high moisture.

Main consumer is the Pakistan’s cement industry. To give an idea of the BTU value, ordinary furnace oil has about the twice the heating value of coal.

 

[Omar1984]

Thar Coal and Energy Board

First test burn of UCG project in March 2011​

KARACHI: Thar region will witness first test burn of the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) project in March 2011 that will produce initial electricity of three to five megawatts. The UCG project will further be enhanced to 100MW in a year’s time.

Renowned scientist Dr Sarmar Mubarakmand stated this while giving progress update on UCG project on Block-V in the 10th meeting of ‘Thar Coal and Energy Board (TCEB)’ here on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by the Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and also attended by Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

Dr Mubarakmand informed the TCEB that the UCG operation had been initiated by drilling two adjacent boreholes into the coal seam and injecting pressurised oxidants like hot air into the coal seam igniting the coal seam and recovering the combustion gases through the adjacent borehole.

The connectivity between the injection and producer wells is made by special linking techniques such as reverse combustion of coal, he added.

Estimates of coal reserves, selection of site for camp, gasifier, surface structure for gasifier, gas handling plant and power generation, assessment of coal under UCG gasifier and life of gasifier temporarily at Islamkot have already been established, he added.

Power supply arrangements from high tension electricity lines of HESCO to colony site have been made. Design of pre-fabricated colony has been completed, layout plan of camp is prepared and contract has been awarded and construction work is in progress and it is expected to be completed in 90 days, he informed. Design of underground gasification has been completed and contract for the drilling of gasification wells has been awarded to Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP). The GSP has mobilised its establishment and machinery at Islamkot and site. The drilling rig and ancillary equipment has been tested and made operational and drilling for the first well is complete.

Design work of control system has been completed. While design and layout for plant building have been completed and order for construction on repeat order basis has been placed. Earlier, the Sindh chief minister said the coal reserves of Thar region will play a vital role in resolving the constant energy crisis on long and short-term basis in the country.

“The government will also ensure much needed positive paradigm shift in the demand and supply cycle of energy as well as power sources in the country,” Qaim added. Qaim said that it is one of the major milestones achieved by this board and it is landmark incentive package to promote investment for Thar Coal.

TCEB Managing Director Ajaz Ali Khan informed the board that the incentive package for Thar Coal has been approved in the ECC meeting held on October 15, this year. The board appreciated the role of its vice chairman and federal minister for finance for getting it’s approved from the ECC.

The meeting decided that the TCEB Act may be immediately presented to the Sindh Assembly to evolve the organisation on permanent basis and the board approved to shift the TCEB funding from Asian Development Bank (ADB) scheme to ‘Grant in Aid’ basis. The board also approved the revised structure for executive arm of the TCEB.

 

[Omar1984]

Govt stepping up work on Thar Coal project: minister
​

Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf said Saturday that the government has decided to further step up work on Thar coal project as the import of oil for power generation has become unbearable.

He was addressing a press conference alongwith MNA Rubina Saadat Kaimkhani after attending the 10th meeting of Thar Coal Energy Board (TCEB) at Chief Minister House. Advisor to CM Waqar Mehdi was also present on the occasion. He said Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah chaired the meeting.

He said that in oil equivalent terms, Thar coal reserves are larger than the combined oil reserves of Saudi Arabia and Iran and 68 times more than Sui gas field reserves and can generate 100,000 megawatts of electricity for next 200 years.

Quoting a study presented on Thar coal in today's (Saturday's) meeting, the minister said that just 1 percent of the coal from Block II, can generate 5,000 MW of electricity for next 50 years which is 25 percent of country's total requirements.

"We will not only be able to meet our own's requirements but can export the surplus electricity to neighbouring countries", Raja Pervez Ashraf said. He said Pakistan's future belonged to Thar coal.

Giving details of the decisions at the meeting, the Minister said that, he said that the Federal Ministry of Water & Power will establish dedicated wing in Ministry to exclusively deal with infrastructure development for Thar and seek international financing for it as per the decision of the Council of Common Interest.

He said the meeting decided to immediately presented TCEB Act in Sindh Assembly to evolve the organization on permanent basis and board approved to shift TCEB funding from ADP scheme to grant in aid basis.

The Board also approved the revised structure for executive arm of TCEB.

The Board approved issuance of TCB for four blocks of Thar coal and also approved issuance of Expression of Interest (EOI) for infrastructure development schemes to attract international financing.

He said the President and Prime Minister are very keen to exploit Thar coal therefore the ECC meeting has approved the incentives package for Thar coal on 15 October 2010.

Khalid Mansoor apprised the TCEB that on August 31, 2010, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) completed the "bankable feasibility study" for a 6.5 million ton/annum coal mining project which will supply coal to fuel a 1,200 MW power plant, also to be set up by Engro Powergen limited.

Dr. Samar Mubarakmand shared the progress update on Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) project in Block V. He informed the TCEB that UCG operation has been initiated by drilling two adjacent boreholes into the coal seam and injecting pressurized oxidants like hot air into the coal seam, igniting the coal seam and recovering the combustion gases through adjacent borehole.

He said that by March next year, they will start production of gas from the field.

The Minister said that media team will be taken to Thar coal site after Eid so that the journalists can themselves see the progress there.

Replying to a question, he said that power generation from Thar coal will be environment friendly and there will be no carbon emission from the project like Germany.

He pointed out that coal gasification project will enable Pakistan to earn carbon credits.

 

[ajpirzada]

Thar Coal and Energy Board

First test burn of UCG project in March 2011​

.

the best part is that we are doing it on our own. meaning we will develop the right skills to exploit its full potential without having to go through any controversy involving foreign companies.

 

[sparklingway]

This was is relation to Thar Coal. Let's hope the next August deadline for a 100MW production does follow through.

 

[Chogy]

I don't have time to read the whole thread, and I hope I'm not repeating something...

First, congrats to Pakistan on the coal discover. Coal has a poor reputation as an energy source, because of the bad old days of no emissions control, no technology to avoid the pollution. The good news today is that coal can be used in a clean manner with sulfur scrubbers and such, and is an immensely valuable asset. Coal becomes coke, an important part of the steel industry. And with modern chemistry and industrial processes, it can be turned into liquid fuels, (at some expense) including gasoline.

It forms the basis of fertilizers (ammonia from the coking process), plastics, even pharmaceuticals.

 

[Omar1984]

Zardari directs officials to expedite work on Thar Coal project​

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has underlined the need to expedite the Thar Coal project by reviewing the progress more often and removing any bottlenecks that may come in the way.

The president said this during a meeting with Thar Coal project Chairman Dr Samar Mubarakmand who called on him at the Presidency on Wednesday.

Zardari said that Pakistan had rich energy resources, which had not been exploited, and out of the box solutions need to thought of to provide relief to the masses and remove the problems faced by businessmen and industrialists due to electricity and gas load-shedding. Mubarakmand apprised the president on the progress of the Thar Coal project.

Zardari appreciated the efforts of Dr Mubarakmand and said that the difficulties being faced by the project will be removed to accomplish the task within the stipulated time.

 

[Omar1984]

Black gold​

Thar project requires proper infrastructure and investment incentives, Sindh government.


Reports of huge reserves of coal buried under the sands of the Thar desert in Sindh have surfaced from time to time. Now something is finally being done to draw benefit from this resource, taking a big step towards meeting an energy shortfall that threatens to cripple us.

The Thar Coal Energy Board Act may be presented very soon to the Sindh Assembly, to set up a body that can use this coal to the best advantage of the country. A meeting of the board at the chief minister’s house was told that the two billion tons of coal reserves could generate 5,000 megawatts of power for the next 50 years. The findings leave one wondering why we have had so much fuss over energy generation given that a resource of this scale exists. The water and power minister has said that people will be able to benefit from power generated from coal ‘very soon’. International investment to mine and utilise the coal is to be called in.

The Sindh and central governments both need to be commended for moving ahead with a plan to use the coal reserve. We should ask why this was not done sooner, by other governments, Had this happened, perhaps the prolonged loadshedding that has crippled production and added to unemployment across the country could have been avoided. It is unclear if deliberate intent or mere neglect was involved in this. The official confirmation of the presence of huge amounts of coal also inevitably raises questions about whether we need more controversial projects such as the Rental Power Projects.

What is now most important is that the plan to utilise the coal be conducted in an open and transparent manner. The award of contracts to international firms must take place through a clear process. It must also take place quickly, so we can meet the growing energy crisis before it worsens and adds to our many woes.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15th, 2010.

 

[jjdoctor]

hmmm... nice info... we have highest reservinever knoew we had such a big reservior of coal...

 

[Omar1984]

1000MW coal-power generation plant being installed: NA informed ​

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar on Thursday informed Lower House of the Parliament that a power plant having capacity of generating 1000 megawatt electricity through coal was being installed in Thar area of Sindh province.

During question-hour session of the National Assembly, he said a contract had been awarded to a private sector company for installation of the power plant.

"The Thar Coal Authority has so far awarded a contract to a private sector party for installation of 1000 MW power plant with Thar coal," he said.

Responding to a question, the minister said an effective strategy had been devised to control loadshedding during the months of April, May, June, July, August and September.

He said five new power plants, namely Foundation Power Project Dherki, Hub Power Narowal, Halmore Power Project Bhikki, Karkay Project Karachi and Chashma Nuclear Power Unit-2 (C-2) having capacity of generating 1184 MW power, would shortly be added in the system.

Presently, he said average hydel power generation was about 3500 MW, adding "In succeeding months, the release of water from dams will increase and hydel generation will reach its peak and help reduce quantum and duration of loadshedding."

Naveed Qamar said a number of measures were being taken for conservation of electricity, which would help save 1000 MW to 1100 MW electricity.

Under the plan, lights up to 50 percent will be reduced in the President House, the PM Secretariat, Federal and Provincial Ministries, Governor and Chief Minister Houses besides official residences and government offices.

He said the measures included "replacement of bulbs and tube-lights with energy savers, use of air conditioners by authorized officers after 11 a.m., illumination of alternate street lights and non-supply of power to billboards and neon signs, ban on commercial decorative lights, staggering of weekly holiday for industry, closure of markets and shops at 2000 hours."

The minister said industries were being motivated for manufacturing and import of energy efficient appliances.

 

[VCheng]

So this 1000MW plant is the coal gasification project of Dr. Mand, or a new coal-burning unit? Are there any news of how the "test burn" in March 2011 went? What is the status of the 150MW pilot project based on coal gasification?

 

[Hyde]

So this 1000MW plant is the coal gasification project of Dr. Mand, or a new coal-burning unit? Are there any news of how the "test burn" in March 2011 went? What is the status of the 150MW pilot project based on coal gasification?

There is no 150MW pilot project but 100MW and that too only 5MW was supposed to be installed this year. Remaining 95MW is step by step procedure to be completed by 2015. That project is expected to begin in April or May and 2 weeks ago there was a news that the coal-gasification will begin after 3 weeks. So I suppose its a matter of 2 or 3 weeks only

 

[seekers]

Aqeel Kareem Dhadi (AKD security) is Biggest broker of Stock market. He has invested a billions in purchasing a land in Thar.
Dhedi ghaatay ka suda nahin karta!

 

[Omar1984]

Leading economies using coal energy: official ​

KARACHI: All the leading economies of the world are using coal as a viable energy source, the Thar Coal Energy Board said commenting on a news item titled ‘Spending resources on coal alone a folly,’ published in The News on April 13.

According to a survey ‘Energy Resources-2010’ conducted by the World Energy Council the use of coal would rise 60 percent by 2030, the Thar Coal Energy Board Managing Director Ajaz Ali Khan commented.

The statement, ‘countries around the globe are phasing coal out as the primary source of energy,’ is incorrect Khan said.

Nearly all of the leading and emerging economies of world are increasingly employing coal as the major source of their energy security.

Presently, says a report of International Enrgy Agency (IEA) coal produces more than 49 per cent electricity in the USA, 49 percent in Germany, 76 percent in Australia, 68 percent in India, and 81 percent electricity in China, Khan said.

According to projections released by the US Department of Energy Information and Administration (EIA), China plans an average increase of 4.1 percent in coal-based power use by 2030. According to IEA Outlook Report 2008 global energy consumption will rise by 50 percent by the year 2030, he said.

For the same period, India plans energy share of coal in the range of 42 to 65 percent as compared to 7 percent for gas and 28 percent for oil in overall power mix.

A latest study highlights that a ton of Lignite coal - the same present in the Thar coalfields - in Germany they produce 1100 Kwh of electricity, 190 cubic meter of substitute natural gas, 160 litres of diesel, 50 cubic meters of synthetic gas. This multiple use of coal is one of the reasons for continuous rise in its global consumption, he said.

World-renowned magazine The Economist carries a special article ‘A new age of coal is upon us’ in its January 27, 2011 issue. The coal boom, according to The Economist, “has spurred a number of mergers & acquisitions in 2010 with a value of $52 billion.”

Rio tinto - a global mining giant has offered $3.9 billion for Riversdale in 2010. Chinese firm Yanzhou purchased Austrlia’s Flex Coal resources in $3.5 billion in 2009. Thermal coal will hit a peak price of $170 a ton in 2012 compared with $110 a ton today. The Economist concludes, “Asian firms will benefit most out of this price surge.”

The Thar Coal Energy Board MD said: “We as a energy - starved country need to keep abreast of planning parameters for regional and global energy security paradigm. Before it is too late, we need to include coal as a major component in national energy basket, and to devise a strategy that helps us to overcome endemic energy crisis.”

It is unfortunate that when a global utilization of coal for power generation is 42 percent and projected to rise to 44 percent in the next 20 years, “we with one of the largest coal deposits in the world are still debating its use,” Ajaz Ali Khan said.

 

[BATMAN]

^^ this is known fact but i keep saying Pakistan need to use its natural resources very intelligently.
If we leave every thing at the disposal of present regime they will just lay them waste.