Punjab is launching a project to generate 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity from waste. The initiative will be rolled out in phases, starting with a 50 MW pilot plant in Lahore. This project is part of the Suthra Punjab Programme, which focuses on recycling waste into energy. The plant will be established at Sundar Industrial Estate, where it can process 3,000 tons of waste daily to meet its energy needs.
The project is aligned with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Clean and Green Punjab vision. The plant will utilize municipal waste to produce electricity, reducing waste while providing a sustainable energy solution. The government is aiming to set a model for future plants in other cities across the province.
Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique revealed that five foreign companies have expressed interest in the project. He expects foreign investment of Rs50 billion. Rafique also emphasized the importance of eco-friendly designs based on Japanese technology. He instructed the Energy Department to explore the possibility of constructing the plant under provincial management.
The Suthra Punjab Programme has already created numerous job opportunities. As the project expands, it will offer similar employment prospects in cities like Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. The secretary of the Local Government Department confirmed that plans for additional energy plants are being reviewed for these cities.
Currently, there are over 1,200 waste-to-energy plants globally, with China leading the way. Punjab collects 50,000 tons of waste daily, which can be transformed into a valuable energy source. This project will make a significant contribution to both waste management and energy production in the province.