Oracle Power PLC (AIM: ORCP), an international project developer, together with its joint venture company, Oracle Energy Limited ("Oracle Energy"), a developer of green energy projects, is pleased to announce that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") study report (the "Report") for the proposed 1.3 GW renewable power plant in Jhimpir, Sindh Province, Pakistan (the "Power Plant"), has been submitted to the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency ("SEPA") for review, with a No-Objection Certificate ("NOC") expected to be granted thereafter as a prerequisite for commencing on-ground construction activities.
The Report, prepared by SGS Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd in compliance with Section 17 of the Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014 (the "Act"), outlines the environmental implications of the proposed Power Plant and delineates the mitigation measures to address potential impacts. Encompassing a comprehensive analysis of the Power Plant's environmental footprint, including assessments of, inter alia, air quality, noise levels, biodiversity, and socio-economic aspects, the Report, as announced on 17 April 2024, concludes that the impacts of the proposed Power Plant are not significant or adverse and the site does not lie in a sensitive area.
According to Section 17 of the Act, any construction or development endeavor within the Sindh Province necessitates SEPA's NOC, which is contingent upon a satisfactory review of the submitted Report. SEPA's approval signifies the fulfillment of requisite environmental standards and the adoption of precautionary measures to safeguard against adverse environmental effects during and after project implementation. The Company expects SEPA's review to be approximately a two-three-month process and will provide an update in this regard in due course.
Naheed Memon, CEO of Oracle, commented: "The submission of the report to SEPA is another important step forward in the development of this project, as on the expected receipt of the NOC we will then be able to satisfy further conditions of financiers. We await SEPA's review, which is expected in 2-3 months, as we continue our efforts to deliver a successful clean energy project."
