Ahmed Khan Malik

K-Electric is working on a 640MW renewable electricity generation project to diversify its energy mix and substantially enhance the share of renewables in power production by 2030.  “K-Electric has taken significant steps towards adding 640MW of renewable capacity to the local grid,” according to an official document submitted to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). The document shows the company plans to execute four renewable energy projects, all in line with the open competitive bidding regulations established by Nepra. These projects aim to diversify the company’s energy mix while reducing costs and environmental impact. The four projects include the Vinder and Bela Solar Projects (150MW), Dhabeji Site Neutral Hybrid Plant (220MW), and the Sindh Solar Energy Project, divided into Site-1 (120MW) and Site-2 (150MW).  “These initiatives are part of K-Electric’s larger effort to embrace renewable energy sources to reduce its dependence on expensive thermal fuel,” the document shows. 

The company also plans to invest in new 132KV transmission lines and grids running from Hub to Bela, a move aimed at enhancing the reliability of power supply to the Lasbela region in Balochistan. The K-Electric’s initiative is part of the government policy to reduce the dependence on thermal power as under the Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP), the share of fossil fuels will decrease from the current 59% to 36% by 2030. In terms of the generation mix, the plan projects this decrease from the current 58% to 23% in 2030. The dominance of fossil fuels, particularly imported ones, is planned to shift to clean and indigenous energy (hydel, solar, wind, nuclear, bagasse, local coal and gas) from the current 58% to 89% by 2030. Since its privatisation, K-Electric has made an investment of Rs474 billion, which has led to customer growth, enhancement in power generation capacity and reduction in transmission and distribution losses.

Credit: INP-WealthPk