LAHORE: The Punjab government has completed the pre-qualification process for local and international investors for a 50-megawatt Waste-to-Energy project and will invite bids from pre-qualified sponsors after approval of the project’s security package.
The update was shared during a meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Energy Faisal Ayub Khokhar on Thursday in Lahore. The meeting reviewed the progress, technical framework, and investment structure of the project, which is expected to be developed with private investment of over $175 million.
Managing Director Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB) Saniya Owais gave a detailed briefing, stating that the project is based on advanced technology for the scientific disposal of solid urban waste and its conversion into electricity. She noted that more than 2,800 Waste-to-Energy plants are operational globally, and the proposed facility in Lahore will be Pakistan’s first large-scale Waste-to-Energy model.
According to the briefing, PPDB has completed the groundwork for the project under the Punjab Power Generation Policy 2009. The Lahore Waste Management Company has formally committed to supplying 3,000 tons of mixed municipal waste per day, while Sundar Industrial Estate has been identified as the electricity purchaser.
The power plant will be established near Lakhoder, around 33 kilometres on Multan Road, Lahore, under a 25-year concession period. The Punjab Industrial Estate Development and Management Company will purchase the electricity, the Lahore Waste Management Company will supply the fuel, and Punjab Grid Company Limited will provide transmission services.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Energy Dr Farakh Naveed, Additional Secretary Majid Iqbal, and officials from relevant departments.
Addressing the meeting, the provincial energy minister said the project would contribute significantly to a cleaner urban environment while supplying affordable electricity to the industrial sector at rates lower than the national grid. He added that, following the success of this initiative, similar Waste-to-Energy projects would be launched in other cities, including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
The minister described the project as a major step forward in Punjab’s energy transition and part of the government’s broader strategy to make Lahore a “waste-free city.” He directed concerned departments to expedite remaining formalities, finalize technical details, and move swiftly towards the bidding phase.
