K-Electric plans to shift Bin Qasim power plant to local gas

K-Electric has applied to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) seeking an amendment to its generation licence to allow Bin Qasim Power Station-III to use locally produced gas as a primary fuel, 24NewsHD TV reported.

According to the application, adding local gas to the plant’s fuel mix would reduce fuel costs and could lead to lower electricity tariffs for K-Electric consumers.

The power utility has proposed using both imported and local gas as primary fuels, while diesel would remain an alternative fuel.

It has also proposed Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) as the supplier of locally produced gas to the power plant.

K-Electric said the turbines at Bin Qasim Power Station-III are currently connected to an imported-gas system.

Imported gas is supplied by Pakistan LNG Limited, while diesel is used as an alternative fuel.

The company said it had held positive discussions with the Petroleum Division and SSGC regarding the supply of local gas.

It maintained that the switch would reduce reliance on imported fuel, improve the plant’s performance and ensure more reliable electricity generation.

K-Electric further said the plant would be able to continue operations during emergencies when imported gas is unavailable.

The installation of new compressors would also affect the plant’s generation capacity, according to the application.

NEPRA has sought public comments on K-Electric’s application within 14 days.