Punjab waste-to-energy project has been launched under the Suthra Punjab Programme, with the provincial government planning to produce 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity in phases. A 50 MW pilot plant will first be set up in Lahore, Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique announced during a meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Friday.
The initiative supports Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s Clean and Green Punjab vision, which aims to recycle municipal waste into energy. The 50 MW facility will be built at Sundar Industrial Estate near Lakho Der, where around 3,000 tons of daily waste will help power the project.
According to the minister, five foreign firms have already shown interest, with expected investment reaching Rs50 billion. He also directed the Energy Department to ensure the design follows international eco-friendly standards, taking inspiration from Japanese technology.
The Suthra Punjab Programme has created millions of jobs so far, Rafique noted, adding that the new power plants will extend benefits to Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Sialkot.
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Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian confirmed that proposals for plants in six more cities will be evaluated. Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Dr. Farrukh Naveed said that the pre-qualification of foreign companies is in the final stages.
Briefing papers revealed that there are over 1,200 such plants worldwide, including 300 in China producing 11,000 MW of power, while 800 more are under construction. Punjab alone collects 50,000 tons of waste every day, which officials say could become a significant source of renewable energy.
