RE: THAR BLOCK 622 May 2024 10:38
it's just been extremely vague from the companies perspective, i understand they're governed by regulations, so whilst there are external issues (ie nepra approval), there's limited to what can be reported to the market. but there does look like some movement in the background. how remotely vague or progressive this is, we're yet to see?
in the initial mou, it talks about the power plant being relocated to k electrics land at port qasim, karachi. the thar coal fields to port qasim, karachi is around a 5 hour drive for my initial thoughts were is it too far? would k electric just get a seperate supply, closer to the port?
but this article seems to insinuate the coal would still be coming from thar and our block, with the relocation 5 hours away
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40245581
"according to the letter, this is the last cpec coal to power project, and considering the increased restrictions imposed by the global financial institutions to develop coal power plants, this cooperation arrangement to develop the project presents the best opportunity for ****stan, to further develop and utilize thar coal to generate inexpensive power.
both companies are of the view that the inexpensive base load power generated from the indigenous coal power plants is a pivotal requirement to curtail the burgeoning electricity price and stem the outward flow of foreign currency from the country. ke stands to be the largest power buyer in province of sindh, as well as the most favourable off-taker for chinese financiers, for supporting new power projects.
ke is currently in the process of finalizing its long-term business plan to cater for the ever-increasing demand in its system. in order to meet this rising power need of the city of karachi, ke plans to optimize its fuel mix through inducting a combination of renewables and base load plants, based on indigenous resources including local coal. it is projected that the requirement for new base load power will arise from the financial year of 2028-29."
and when you consider the level they currently import from other countries, transporting it from thar i don't see as an issue.