ISLAMABAD :The 1,320-megawatt Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant ensured uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the holy month of Ramazan, meeting the sharp rise in national demand through close coordination between government authorities and the enterprise.
From February 18 to March 20, millions of households across Pakistan relied on steady power to carry out religious and daily activities.
Ensuring a stable electricity supply during this period was vital for maintaining social harmony and supporting nationwide observances. This year, however, the energy landscape posed exceptional challenges.
Regional security tensions, volatility in international energy markets, and domestic logistical constraints, particularly the shortage of railway wagons and reduced transport efficiency, placed significant pressure on the power sector.
Compounding these difficulties, higher-than-average temperatures and reduced precipitation in northern regions led to a substantial shortfall in hydropower generation, further widening the electricity supply gap. Against this backdrop, the responsibility on thermal power producers to sustain uninterrupted supply became increasingly critical.
As a key pillar of Pakistan’s national grid and a flagship project of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, the 1320MW Sahiwal Power Plant rose to the occasion by promptly activating a comprehensive Ramazan power assurance plan.
Taking a leading role, the plant coordinated across the entire operational chain, including fuel procurement, railway logistics, plant operations, and external stakeholder engagement, to ensure smooth and reliable performance.
To address core challenges related to fuel supply, transportation, and policy coordination, the plant maintained close and continuous engagement with major national stakeholders, including the National Grid Dispatch Center, the Central Power Purchasing Agency, and Pakistan Railways. Through targeted consultations and high-level coordination, the plant highlighted operational constraints and secured essential institutional support, enabling a unified and efficient response.
Simultaneously, collaboration with industry partners facilitated the expedited handling of railway wagon spare parts, from port arrival and customs clearance to dispatch and on-site maintenance, contributing to sustained improvements in rail transport capacity.
National institutions played a pivotal role in supporting these efforts. The National Grid Dispatch Center, prioritizing system stability, issued optimized load dispatch directives aligned with the plant’s operational strengths and strategic location, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of grid reliability.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency ensured timely financial support for fuel procurement and operational continuity. Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways, in coordination with its regional divisions, prioritized coal transport for the plant, streamlining train scheduling, mitigating wagon shortages, and effectively establishing a dedicated green corridor for fuel movement.
During the holy month of Ramazan, four ships were successfully unloaded at the port, while 96 coal trains were dispatched and fully unloaded at the plant site, resulting in a total handling volume of 192,000 tons of coal. Over the same period, the power plant generated approximately 660 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, with the highest single-unit load rate reaching 92 percent, reflecting strong operational performance under challenging conditions.
The plant’s performance ensured a stable and reliable electricity supply throughout Ramazan, supporting households across Pakistan in observing the holy month with ease and continuity. It also underscored the effectiveness of coordinated action between public institutions and enterprise stakeholders in addressing critical national challenges.
This achievement reflects not only the operational excellence and commitment of the Sahiwal Power Plant but also the strong backing of national institutions. Together, they demonstrated a model of collaborative governance aimed at safeguarding public welfare.
As Ramazan concludes, the plant’s Chinese and Pakistani workforce has expressed sincere appreciation to all supporting institutions and extended warm wishes to the people of Pakistan. Looking ahead, the 1320MW Sahiwal Power Plant remains committed to strengthening cooperation, enhancing generation capacity, and continuing its role as a reliable energy partner, contributing to the country’s development, public well-being, and the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China.
