Pakistan Jhang 1263 MW thermal power plant, operated by China Machinery Engineering Corp. (CMEC), achieved a significant milestone as its turbine generator was successfully connected to the power grid for the first time. According to China Economic Net (CEN), the unit is operating smoothly and all parameters are meeting the design requirements, thus setting a solid foundation for the next 168-hour reliability test run of the combined cycle section.After achieving COD of the two gas turbines in August last year, the Jhang project has completed the installation and commissioning of the main and auxiliary systems for the combined cycle section, the steam blowing of two heat recovery boilers, hot-state flushing, PPA8.2 testing, and now, the first turbine generator synchronization to the power grid.

The synchronization of the combined-cycle power generation unit with the power grid signifies that all equipment on site has been put into normal operation. "The next step will mainly involve adjusting the unit under different load conditions, optimizing the system and its degree of automation, and conducting a 168-hour reliability test," said the operation director of the project, Mr. He, "The entire project is marching closer and closer to COD." Last year, the government-owned company Punjab Thermal Power (Pvt) Ltd (PTPL) signed a contract with China Machinery Engineering Corp (CMEC) to operate two thermal power plants in Punjab's Jhang district. CMEC also served as the plants' engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP