US$2 billion power plant underway in Pakistan

China Power International Holding has started work on a new US$2 billion coal-based power plant in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

The 1,320 MW plant is due for completion in 2019.

It also represents the second major project to be commissioned under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor programme, with China having already taken over the management of Gwadar port, in south-west Pakistan.

China Power will work with local firm Hub Power Company on the construction of the plant, which will include state-of-the-art boiler units, with super critical technology.

China Power said the same technology is currently being used in most developing countries to improve coal efficiency, lower the cost of fuel and cut down emissions.

The plant is the first of a number of similar projects China has promised to deliver in Pakistan, to ease its current power crisis, although it has expressed concerns over the safety of its personnel in Balochistan, following attacks by militants in the restive province.