Sahiwal Coal Power Plant Recognized as a CPEC Energy Success Story
The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has praised the China-backed Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant as one of the most successful flagship projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlighting its significant contribution to Pakistan’s energy security, industrial development and economic growth. The chamber noted that the project demonstrates the value of large-scale, technology-driven energy investments in supporting the country’s rising electricity demand and long-term development goals.
PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain described the 1,320-megawatt Sahiwal Coal Power Plant as a symbol of the enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership. Since beginning commercial operations in 2017, the facility has provided a stable electricity supply to the national grid, helping reduce energy shortages, improve industrial productivity, strengthen investor confidence and ensure uninterrupted operations across key sectors of the economy. He emphasized that continued investment in modern energy infrastructure is essential to sustain industrialization, manufacturing growth, exports and digital transformation.
Vice President Amir Ali stated that the project's impact extends beyond electricity generation, contributing significantly through tax revenues, local procurement, business opportunities and the development of supporting industries. He added that the project created thousands of direct and indirect jobs during construction and operations while providing technical training that equipped Pakistani engineers and technicians with modern engineering and operational expertise. According to him, workforce development should remain a central element of future infrastructure initiatives.
PCJCCI Commercial Ambassador Adeel Munawar highlighted the plant’s advanced supercritical coal-fired technology, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces coal consumption compared to conventional thermal plants. He noted that modern environmental protection systems, including Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP), Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) and Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), help control emissions and support compliance with international environmental standards. He further stressed the importance of attracting Chinese investment in next-generation energy infrastructure, including hydropower, renewable energy, clean coal technologies, energy storage and smart transmission systems.
Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif emphasized that Pakistan requires a diversified and reliable energy mix to support industrial expansion, agriculture, digital infrastructure, urban development and future Special Economic Zones (SEZs). While renewable energy remains an important priority, he said efficient baseload projects such as the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant continue to play a vital role in ensuring grid stability and uninterrupted electricity supply. PCJCCI concluded that the success of the Sahiwal project should serve as a model for future Pakistan-China cooperation, encouraging more strategic energy investments under CPEC to strengthen energy security, attract foreign investment, create employment and support Pakistan’s long-term economic prosperity.