Sukkur Thermal Power Plant: A Historical Overview
Introduction
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| Sukkur Electric Supply Company |
The Sukkur Thermal Power Plant, situated on the right bank of the River Indus at the eastern edge of Sukkur city, Pakistan, was a pivotal energy infrastructure project in the mid-20th century. It played a vital role in powering homes, industries, and agricultural initiatives in Sukkur and surrounding areas within a 70-mile radius. Although the plant is no longer operational, its legacy highlights the importance of reliable energy for regional development.
Historical Background
In 1959, the newly formed Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) took over the project. At the time, the region relied on outdated diesel engines, which were costly due to imported fuel and parts, unreliable, and limited in expansion potential. The thermal power plant was envisioned as a modern solution to these challenges.
With assistance from the Canadian government under the Colombo Plan, a feasibility study was completed in 1960, and construction began in 1961. The initial plan included two 12.5 MW units, but in 1963, Canada funded two additional units, bringing the total capacity to 50 MW. The first phase was commissioned in March 1965, followed by the second in April 1967, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s energy infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
The Sukkur Thermal Power Plant had a total installed capacity of 50 MW, generated by four 12.5 MW units. It distributed electricity across a network spanning a 70-mile radius around Sukkur. The power was supplied to various grid stations in the district, as detailed below:
| Grid Station | Capacity (MVA) |
|---|---|
| Sukkur City (future loads) | 13 + 13 |
| Sukkur SITE | 10 |
| Sukkur Arain Road (future loads) | 13 + 13 |
| Rohri | 13 |
| Rohri Cement Factory | 2 |
| Pano Akil | 13 |
| Ghotki | 13 |
| Mirpur Mathelo | 13 |
| Khanpur Mahar | 13 |
| Dharki | 13 |
| Ubauro | 13 |
| Total | 155 MVA (approx. 124 MW) |
This capacity represented about 2% of Pakistan’s total electricity load at the time, underscoring the plant’s regional significance.
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| Sukkur Thermal Power Plant: A Historical Overview |
Regional Impact
The plant’s electricity was transformative for Sukkur and nearby areas. It powered tube-wells to lower the water table, addressing water logging and salinity issues that threatened agricultural productivity. Lift irrigation pumps along the Nara canal, supported by the plant, facilitated land reclamation, enabling farmers to increase food production to meet the needs of a growing population.
The plant also supported industrial growth and village electrification. The District Village Electrification Committee, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, prioritized villages based on population size, proximity to high-tension lines, and available funds. In one year, eleven villages were electrified, with ten more the following year, significantly improving living standards and local economies.
Challenges and Closure
Despite its contributions, the plant faced significant challenges. A boiler accident in 1997 resulted in the tragic loss of seven technicians, leading to temporary closures. Financial difficulties, particularly the high cost of running the plant on unpurified domestic gas, further strained operations. By 2005, the plant was permanently shut down, as reported by The Express Tribune. Proposals to revive it using unrefined natural gas from nearby areas have been discussed, notably in a 2011 report cited by Pakistan Today, but no revival has occurred as of June 2025.
Current Energy Landscape
While the Sukkur Thermal Power Plant remains closed, the region has adapted to new energy sources. A 150 MWp solar power plant, developed by Nizam Energy and Scatec Solar, began commercial operations in Sukkur, as noted on Nizam Energy’s website. This shift reflects Pakistan’s growing emphasis on renewable energy to address ongoing energy challenges.
Conclusion
The Sukkur Thermal Power Plant was a landmark project that powered regional development for decades. Its closure in 2005 marked the end of an era, but its contributions to agriculture, industry, and rural electrification remain significant. As Pakistan navigates its energy future, the plant’s history offers valuable lessons for sustainable infrastructure development.
Contact Information
For inquiries about electricity services in the region, contact the Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO):
- Headquarters: Thermal Power Station Old, SukkurTel: 071-9310795 / 071-5621633Fax: 071-5621633 / 071-9310797
- Customer Service Center: Regional Customer Service Center, Minara Road, SukkurTel: 071-9310921Fax: 071-9310917
- Website: SEPCO Official Website
Reference Links and Books
The user requested reference links and books, leading to a search for relevant resources. Books included:
- "Thermal Power Plant: Design and Operation" by Dipak Sarkar – Covers design and operation, relevant for technical insights.
- "WHAT AILS THE PAKISTANI POWER SECTOR" by Engr. Tahir Basharat Cheema – Analyzes Pakistan’s power sector, possibly mentioning Sukkur.
- "Thermal Power Plant Performance Analysis" – Focuses on performance metrics, applicable to operations.
Online references included:
- News articles like The Express Tribune
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- SEPCO’s official website for operational context.
- Academic papers on thermal power plants from Academia.edu , though none specifically on Sukkur.
These resources ensure a robust foundation for further reading.
Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi © 2025 Discover Rohri The Ancient City of Sindh
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