In the midst of Punjab’s worsening smog crisis, the China-operated Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, built under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is emerging as an environmental ally. Partnering with the Punjab Environment Protection Department, the 1,320 MW plant has kept its emissions far below national and international limits by using advanced technologies such as Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) and Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems, Gwadar Pro reported on Tuesday.

According to the Pakistan Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS) report for October 2025, the plant’s carbon monoxide emissions stand at 125 mg/nm³—well within the global range of 100–150 mg/nm³. Sulfur dioxide emissions are recorded at just 65 mg/nm³ compared to the international range of 50–600 mg/nm³, while nitrogen oxide levels remain at 180 mg/nm³, also within acceptable limits.

Since becoming operational in 2017, the $1.8 billion project—developed by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy Limited—has consistently maintained emissions lower than those allowed by the World Bank, EU, and Japan. Plant official Umair told Gwadar Pro that a Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) has been installed to track particulate matter in real time.

“We also work with an EPA-certified third-party environmental monitoring firm to ensure full compliance with our Environmental Monitoring Plan,” he said, adding that an Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station keeps constant checks on air quality. To further curb pollution during smog season, the plant has replaced internal fuel-powered transport with electric vehicles, cutting greenhouse gas and particulate emissions.

It has also launched a large-scale plantation campaign within and around its premises to boost green cover and improve local air quality. By combining strict emission controls, electric mobility, and continuous environmental monitoring, the Sahiwal Power Plant stands out as a model of sustainable industrial operation under the CPEC framework.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China