Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif Wednesday inaugurated the LNG-fueled Bhikki power plant, Pakistan’s first LNG-based power plant, at Sheikhupura, Radio Pakistan reported.
During his visit, the prime minister was informed that the plant has a total power generation capacity of 1,180 megawatts, out of which 717 megawatts will be added to the national grid immediately.
The plant will generate electricity at rate of seven rupee thirty seven paisa per unit, which is the cheapest project to generate electricity through gas, state-owned radio network claimed.
Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif were also present on the occasion.
It was earlier informed by the Punjab Govt that 717 MW out of total 1180 MW will be operational from today.
.@CMShehbaz 1180 MW is the total capacity of Bhikki power plant - 717 MW will be operational from today onwards. #PunjabAdds717MW pic.twitter.com/fIuxVcOD4c
— Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) April 19, 2017
Government of Punjab sources said that the capacity of the project will be increased with time.
It was the idea of CM Shehbaz Sharif to use provincial sources for production of electricity, said the official Twitter account of Punjab government.
.@CMShehbaz While majority was against this idea, the PM endorsed @CMShehbaz's suggestion of using prov. resources for power plants #PunjabAdds717MW pic.twitter.com/Bs87sUrSqy
— Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) April 19, 2017
The plant will run on gas and has been completed over a period of 18 months.
The ruling party is under severe criticism and public pressure after sudden surge in load-shedding across the country.
According to media reports, urban areas are facing 8 to 10 hours load-shedding while 12-14 hours power outages continue in rural areas.
The shortfall has reported to have surpassed 6000MW.
