900 MW Combined Cycle Plant Planned For Pakistan

Siemens and Harbin Electric International signed an agreement with K-Electric to build a 900 MW combined cycle power plant at the Bin Qasim Power Complex in Karachi, Pakistan.

K-Electric’s total investment for the project, known as Bin Qasim Power Station 3 (BQPS-III), is US$650 million. Work is expected to begin by the end of 2019 and will be completed in 24 months.

Siemens will provide two Siemens SGT5-4000F gas turbines, steam turbines, generators and condensers. These will be the first Siemens turbines to be added to K-Electric’s power generation fleet.

“We are proud to start our biggest project with K-Electric that will help provide reliable and efficient power supply to Pakistan’s most populous city,” said Dr. Keramat Fakhari, executive vice president – Upper Gulf at the Power Generation division of Siemens Gas and Power. “Since we opened our office in Lahore in 1922, Siemens has been a key contributor to major infrastructure projects in the country, and we are eager to continue supporting Pakistan’s economic development.”

More than 350 SGT5-4000F units have been sold around the world, with more than 17 million fired hours. These highly efficient turbines will help K-Electric bridge the shortfall in its power network that serves 15 million people in Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city.

“The 900 MW BQPS-III is essential in meeting Karachi’s future energy demands,” said Moonis Alvi, CEO K-Electric. “The aim is to commission the project in the fastest possible time, and we are confident that with the right facilitation from all quarters, power from the plant may be added to our supply as soon as summer of 2021. An investment of the size and magnitude of BQPS-III is a testament to KE’s commitment to improving the reliability of power supply for its customers.”