CPEC projects: Transmission lines laid ahead of deadline

These will transmit 2,520MW from Bhikki and Sahiwal plants

LAHORE: The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has announced that it has completed work ahead of schedule on two 500-kilovolt transmission lines under its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

“The transmission lines are ready to supply power from the 1,200-megawatt re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) Bhikki power plant and the 1,320MW Sahiwal coal-fired power plant. The cumulative 2,520MW from the two plants will be added to the national grid once they start power generation,” said the NTDC in a statement on Friday.

A transmission line stretching over 2.64 km has been linked with the Lahore-Gatti circuit from the Bhikki power plant. Another transmission line covering 5 km has been connected with the Sahiwal-Lahore transmission line.

NTDC MD Fiaz A Chaudhry said the company was expeditiously pursuing its transmission line and grid station projects. Interconnections for the 1,200MW RLNG Balloki, 1,200MW Haveli Bahadur Shah and 660MW Thar coal-fired power plant of Engro would be completed before the commissioning of these plants, he said.

Chaudhry revealed that the Port Qasim power plant would become operational three months prior to its deadline, which would require transmission of electricity. A 132kv grid station and transmission line will be built and connected with the K-Electric network as an interim arrangement to meet the requirement.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2016.

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