Punjab mulls power supply plan for Sundar Industrial Estate

LAHORE: The Punjab government is evaluating a proposed power supply plan for Sundar Industrial Estate and the Orange Line Metro Train aimed at boosting energy efficiency and discovering economical electricity options for both industry and public transport. This proposal was deliberated during a meeting led by Provincial Minister for Energy Faisal Ayub Khokhar on Wednesday, where officials examined a project under the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) framework.

Attendees included Energy Secretary Ajmal Bhatti and representatives from multiple companies. The officials provided the provincial minister with an overview of the proposed project, its potential advantages, and potential electricity transmission methods. The meeting also explored methods for fulfilling the electricity needs of Sundar Industrial Estate and the Orange Line Metro Train by effectively leveraging available power generation assets.

During the briefing, it was mentioned that Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Bahawalpur possessed a power generation capacity of 1,300 megawatts, while a 400MW project spanning 15,000 acres was currently in development. The discussion centered on utilizing these resources more efficiently and enhancing the electricity supply infrastructure.

The minister commended the proposals for innovative and practical energy solutions and instructed the relevant authorities to prepare a thorough presentation encompassing the project's technical, financial, and administrative components to evaluate its viability and potential benefits. He emphasized that delivering affordable, high-quality, and dependable electricity to consumers and the industrial sector ranked among the government's foremost priorities.

Uninterrupted power supply at competitive prices was crucial for industrial growth, business expansion, and economic stability, he added. The minister stressed the importance of modern technology, efficient planning, and practical proposals to meet the energy demands of industrial facilities. He stressed that projects aimed at enhancing the power supply system should also provide efficient and sustainable solutions for industry.

Khokhar emphasized that better planning and effective use of existing resources could offer significant relief to consumers and businesses. He called for enhanced coordination among relevant government agencies, energy firms, and the private sector to accomplish these goals.