LAHORE – The Punjab government on Sunday launched a major clean energy project with the inauguration of Nestlé Pakistan’s $4.5 million biomass steam plant in Sheikhupura, an initiative aimed at reducing crop residue burning, cutting carbon emissions and promoting environmentally sustainable industrial growth. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif digitally inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility, describing it as an important milestone in advancing renewable energy, environmental sustainability and the circular economy in the province.Built at a cost of approximately $4.5 million, the biomass steam plant will utilise around 72,000 tonnes of agricultural residue annually as fuel, providing a sustainable alternative to the open burning of crop waste, a major contributor to smog and air pollution. According to officials, the plant will generate 30 tonnes of steam per hour and is expected to save about $2.15 million annually in fuel costs. It will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 24,345 tonnes every year while helping improve air quality by discouraging the burning of agricultural residue.
The chief minister was briefed on Nestlé Pakistan’s operations and its ongoing environmental sustainability initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz appreciated Nestlé Pakistan’s investment in clean energy and said the biomass steam plant represented a significant example of Pakistan’s commitment to renewable energy and resource-efficient industrial development.
She said the project was fully aligned with the Punjab government’s priorities of protecting the environment, improving air quality and encouraging sustainable industrial growth. Reaffirming her government’s commitment to climate resilience, the chief minister said Punjab would continue to support organisations investing in environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable development projects. “The doors of the Punjab government remain open to all organisations working for environmental protection and environmental sustainability,” she said.
