900 mw RNLG based power station to be built at Bin Qasim

KARACHI: The 900 mw Re-gasified Liquid Natural Gas (RLNG) power Station III will be built K-Electric's Bin QWasim site here at an estimated cost of dollars one billion.

This was stated by the spokesperson of the K-Electric here on Thursday.

The public hearing to discuss environmental impact assessment (EIA) report of K-Electric's upcoming project was held here Thursday.

People from different walks of life including environmentalists, engineers, academia, general public, civil society organizations, and KE officials attended the hearing.

The session was organized by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

The 900 MW RLNG based Bin Qasim Power Station III will be built at KE's Bin Qasim site at an estimated cost of US$ one billion and includes simultaneous upgrades to associated transmission infrastructure.

The plant comprises two power units of 450 MW; the first unit is targeted to start production by summer 2018 whereas the second unit is expected to be commissioned by end of 2019.

Once completed, BQPS-III will be one of the largest private sector investments of its kind in the country's power sector and will comply with all the regulatory guidelines.

KE representatives apprised the public about the significance of BQPS-III project in meeting Karachi's immediate and growing energy demands.

It was pointed out that the project is also in line with the utility's commitment of diversifying the fuel mix and subsequently passing on the positive impact to end-consumers. Adding new generation capabilities and strengthening its transmission and distribution network are currently K-Electric's highest priorities.

The power utility is also taking major steps towards enhancing transformation capacity and improving the reliability of power supply to its customers.

The development work of TP-1000 (Transmission Enhancement Plan), a US$ 440 million project, is progressing on a fast track.

Talking about KE's Social Investment Programme, KE representative said that two water purification plants, established by the power utility, are currently benefiting the residents of in Bin Qasim Town as well as KE organizes regular free health camps as part of its community development initiatives. KE has also pledged to plant 50,000 mangroves in addition to the development of green zones in partnerships with Port Qasim Authority.