PEPCO exec urges for Guddu project’s timely completion

PEPCO’s managing director urged for the completion of the Guddu Power Project within the stipulated period or earlier.

The period is 30 months for the open cycle and 36 months for the combined cycle.

Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema Managing Director Pakistan Electric Power Company said that one of the causes of the present energy crisis in Pakistan is delay in completion of ongoing power projects.

He however noted that M/s Harbin Power Engineering Company, one of the three largest Chinese Companies manufacturing power plants, has the experience and expertise to complete the additional 747 MW combined cycle power plant at Guddu Thermal Power Station with the stipulated period. The proposed power project would comprise a 747 MW combined cycle power plant consisting of two gas turbines of 243MW each, two heat recovery steam generators followed by one steam turbine  having a capacity of 261 MW and associated equipment.

Cheema said that the energy policy of present government envisages that increase in power generation should be made in tandem with the objective of producing energy at affordable cost. The 747 MW Combined Cycle Guddu Power Project is therefore of great significance, as it is not only  one of the biggest thermal projects in the country fueled by gas, but would also produce affordable energy.

He added that the key to success is good and professional management of the project. He urged Mr Yang Qingly to hold regular meetings with officials of PEPCO and other related departments so that hurdles or delays that may come in the way of the project during its execution are removed well in advance. These interactions he said would help mitigate the issues that may pop up. “This project has to be a success story in Pakistan” he emphasized.

The contract for 747 MW Combined Cycle Power Project Guddu was signed on 19 September 2009 with M/s Harbin Power Engineering Company and General Electric USA having a capacity of 747 MW, with an estimated cost of Pak Rs 59,775.41 million and is schedule to be completed within 36 months. 85 percent of the project has already been financed by China Exim Bank and US Exim Bank while the balance would be financed by the Government of Pakistan.