Hubco to set up 225 MW power plant

Karachi: The Hub Power Company Limited, one of the largest independent power producer in Pakistan is setting up a combined cycle power plant based on reciprocating engines technology with an investment of about $300 million and having an ISO installed capacity of 225MW at District Narowal, Punjab.

In an information, sent to the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE, it was stated that the company has received formal approval of the government for setting up the plant.

Tariff structure for the plant has recently been agreed with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority and The Letter of Support has also been received from the Private Power Infrastructure Board, Government of Pakistan and all equipment supply and construction contracts have also been finalised. The plant will start supplying electricity to National Grid from end of March 2010, thereby helping in reducing the acute power shortage in the country.

The Narowal plant is powered by 11 of the largest, 18 cylinder, V configuration version of the most powerful four-stroke engine of MAN Diesel's stationary power generation programme. The engine will burn residual fuel oil (RFO) and will operate in a combined cycle arrangement with a total net electrical capacity of 213.60 MW at Site condition. The output of the 11 generator sets is complemented by a steam turbine generator driven by steam produced from the engine exhaust gasses.

Javed Mehmood, Chief Executive, Hubco emphasised that 'this new investment by Hubco reflects our desire to be a part of the solution to the burgeoning energy crisis in Pakistan. We are fully committed to Pakistan's development and progress and will continue to look at power projects even beyond this second plant in the years to come'.