ISLAMABAD: Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has urged 1,320 MW Port Qasim imported coal-fired power project to start preliminary testing with 10 percent Thar coal blending and share its plan along with status of Thar coal procurement, sources close to Managing Director PPIB told Business Recorder.
In a letter to CEO, PQPECL, Managing Director PPIB has cited reference of four letters, two of which were written by the PPIB whereas two were sent by PQPECL in response, saying that through those letters, PPIB on the basis of assurances given by stakeholders (CPPA-G, NEPRA) and Government of Sindh in the meeting held on October 5, 2022 requested PQPECP to start the testing on Thar coal, initially with 10 per cent blending.
According to the MD PPIB, concerns of PQPECL have already been responded through letters, adding that in the meeting of October 5, 2022 it was unanimously decided that based on initial testing results all matter/issues will be negotiated among the stakeholders to reach a win-win situation.
As per findings of the feasibility study submitted by Fichtner, most of the PQEPCL’S plant systems have extra capacities that can handle a certain percentage of Thar Lignite with the exception of limiting equipment, ie, Fuel Gas De-sulfurization (FGD), electrostatic precipitator, pulverizer and primary air fans.
PQEPCL’s Thar coal blending proposal approved by PD
Fichtner claimed that the power plant can operate at approximately 50% capacity on Thar coal alone without any major modifications and with 20% blending ratio the power plant can operate at 85% of capacity. If 100% operation of the plant on Thar coal is required, then equipment capacities need to be enhanced. The study performed by Fichtner is a desktop study which requires further confirmation through on-site testing.
The sources further stated that as directed by Secretary, Power Division in a meeting on July 9, 2022, such feasibility study was shared with PQEPCL for their views and comments. In response, PQEPCL stated that blending of 20% with de-rated capacity of 85% is not a suitable option; however, in their calculations, up to 12% blending can achieve 100% load of the plant.
The PQEPCL agreed to on-site testing as suggested by Fichtner starting from 10% blending and final blending ratio shall be adjusted as per the actual test; however, in their view increase in blending with a decrease load is not a reasonable option at this stage due to power shortages in Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2022