Public hearing on 220MW hybrid project today

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) is set to decide the fate of 220-megawatt SITE Neutral Hybrid Project at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday where K-Electric (KE) will present its views about the project, which is considered a groundbreaking initiative.

The first-of-its-kind project for Pakistan has attracted the lowest tariff bid of 3.09 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), submitted by Canadian firm JCM Power.

KE received the bid in August 2024, followed by the submission of a bid evaluation report to the regulatory authority for approval in September. With the validity of bid bonds expiring soon, a swift regulatory approval can ensure the timely execution of renewable energy projects.

This hybrid project is part of KE's commitment to integrating 30% of renewable energy into its fleet by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.

The company's renewable pipeline includes 640MW of energy projects in Sindh and Balochistan, which is positioning it as a major contributor to Pakistan's sustainable energy transition.

Nepra's upcoming decision on KE's 150MW solar projects in Bela and Winder will further shape this trajectory. The 640MW renewable energy projects are termed vital for Pakistan's long-term energy security and advancing a sustainable energy mix.

Beyond renewable energy, KE says it is navigating critical regulatory milestones, which will further shape its future outlook in the country's energy landscape.

Year 2024 was pivotal for KE, marked by the approval of its $2 billion investment plan, the power acquisition plan and the generation tariff by Nepra.

Other matters expecting a conclusion include decisions on its distribution, transmission and supply tariffs as well as the resolution of write-off claims linked to its multi-year tariff for 2017-2023. A Nepra hearing in December 2024 addressed the matter of write-offs, with further clarity expected.