K-Electric invests $71 million to construct Port Qasim grid station

System is expected to commence commercial operations by first quarter of 2019

KARACHI: K-Electric Limited (KEL) said on Thursday it has initiated construction of Port Qasim grid station with an estimated investment of $71 million.

The grid station is expected to commence commercial operations by first quarter of 2019 and is part of $450 million project TP-1000 (transmission enhancement plan).



The ground breaking of the 220KV grid station, which spreads over an area of 11 acres, was performed by Dale Sinkler, Chief Generation & Transmission Officer, K-Electric.

Sinkler said “the Port Qasim grid station is the heart of TP-1000. It will help enhance the capacity and stability of KEL’s transmission network by exclusively dispatching 1,150 megawatts (MW) of electricity, thus further enhancing reliability of power supply across our network.”

The statement issued by KEL said that the development work of TP-1000 is also progressing on a fast track. Besides the Port Qasim grid station, ground breaking of three grid stations namely Old Golimar, Labor Square and Shadman has also been carried out.

Moreover, efficiency expansion of existing grid stations is also underway, it said.

KEL through TP-1000 will add seven new grid stations comprising 220KV and 132KV network, bay extensions, six new auto transformers, efficiency expansion plan for 21 existing grid stations which will also include addition of 30 power transformers and more than 400 new 11KV feeders to cater to the growing demands of the city.



Ten new 220KV and 132KV double and single circuit transmission lines of approximately 130 kilometers would also be laid out whereas there existing 220KV and 132KV transmission circuits would be rehabilitated to increase the power carrying capacity and reliability.

An additional disaster recovery center for SCADA/telecommunication is to be connected which would help cope with emergency situations and reducing response time and fault rectification. Additionally new transmission lines, circuits and grids would help decrease the fault ratio and increase reliability and supply of electricity, the statement added.

KEL has invested $1.2 billion and added 1,037MW in its generation capacity since 2009. “The continuous stream of investment from KEL has further strengthened the power infrastructure and reinforces its long-term commitment to serve the people of Karachi,” it added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2017.

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