Karachi to convert fuel-based plant to coal-fired

The Karachi Electric Supply Company will convert its 1,260 MW Bin Qasim Power Plant into a coal-fired generation plant.

The plant has residual fuel oil based boilers.

Repacing it with coal fired technology would help KESC in attaining fuel security by diversifying its existing fuel mix, better utilization of existing fleet and most importantly aid in reducing cost of power generation; ultimately providing the consumers relief by lowering of the end user tariff.

This project will have a step-wise execution, the phase-one of which will see the conversion of 2 units, with a generating capacity of 420 MW.

KESC is gearing itself to take the pioneering role for coal conversion in the country and is currently in the process of finalizing its feasibility study through a reputed US based consultant, 'Knight Piesold', having extensive world-wide experience in coal based projects. The first phase of the feasibility study has been completed, demonstrating technical and economic viability of the project.

The second phase of the feasibility study, which involves detailing of the engineering design work flow is now underway. In the near future, KESC will also be approaching NEPRA for relevant approvals related to this project.