PAKISTAN: Punjab province to get 6 new biogas plants

Pakistan’s Punjab Province Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given nod for the development of six biogas plants across the province, marking a key step in the push to expand clean and affordable energy solutions.

Of the approved projects, four biogas plants will be set up in Lahore, while two will come up in Faisalabad. The decision was taken at a special high-level meeting on clean energy chaired by the chief minister, during which officials presented a detailed briefing on the province’s long-term clean energy roadmap.

Biogas plants will play a dual role by promoting environmentally sustainable waste management and supporting the agricultural sector. The plants are expected to supply low-cost gas for household consumption while also producing bio-fertiliser, which can help improve farm productivity and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.

The chief minister also directed relevant departments to prepare a viable plan for the installation of small-scale biogas plants, particularly to benefit rural and peri-urban areas. In addition, she approved a feasibility study for establishing a multi-fuel bio-refinery, aimed at diversifying Punjab’s renewable energy mix.

The meeting further cleared the launch of a waste-to-energy (WtE) project in Lahore. According to officials, the project will generate affordable electricity to power electric buses and the city’s metro bus system. The chief minister instructed authorities to ensure the project is completed on a fast-track basis.

Hong Kong Convention-compliant ship recycling yard launched

To give boost to recycling sector, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry inaugurated Pakistan’s first ship recycling facility certified under the Hong Kong International Convention, aligning the country with international standards for environmentally sound ship recycling.

The minister formally launched Prime Green Recycling Yard at Gadani as shipbreaking remains an important industrial activity in Pakistan, especially in the coastal town of Gadani in southwestern Balochistan, which was once counted among the world’s largest ship recycling centres.