Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power: A trailblazer in power production, waste management and sustainability

QATPL was recognised in two categories at the Asian Power Awards 2024 and one category at the Asian Waste Management Awards 2024.

Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power (Pvt) Limited (QATPL), an industry leader in Pakistan’s energy sector, won at the Asian Power Awards 2024, taking home Independent Power Producer of the Year and ESG Programme of the Year. The company was also lauded at the Asian Waste Management Awards 2024 with the Waste Management Excellence of the Year - Pakistan category win.

Founded by the Government of Punjab in 2015, QATPL operates a cutting-edge 1180 MW RLNG-based combined cycle power plant at Bhikki, near Sheikhupura, Pakistan. Using General Electric’s 9HA.01 gas turbines, the plant boasts an impressive efficiency of 61.60%, delivering cost-effective and reliable electricity to the national grid. QATPL has evacuated 38.81 billion units of low-cost electricity, playing a crucial role in addressing Pakistan’s energy needs.

Setting new standards in power production

QATPL’s recognition as Independent Power Producer of the Year - Pakistan is a testament to its operational excellence and reliability. In 2023 alone, the Bhikki power plant produced 3.99 billion units of electricity, maintaining a high availability factor of 95.90% and reliability factor of 96.59%. QATPL's innovative RAP-20 initiative, which focusses on improving plant reliability and performance, has further optimised its operations, making it a key player in Pakistan's power sector.

The company’s focus on continuous improvement is evident in its operational achievements. By reducing its Corrective Maintenance to Preventive Maintenance ratio from 9% to 7.4%, QATPL has enhanced the efficiency of its power generation processes. Additionally, the company has achieved over 3.187 million safe man-hours since its commercial operation date, with zero recordable injuries or fatalities.

In line with slogan of “continuous improvement” QATPL has proudly obtained membership of British Safety Council, becoming the first power generation in Pakistan to obtain this membership.

A commitment to sustainability and community welfare

QATPL’s ESG Programme of the Year - Pakistan win reflects the company’s broad commitment to responsible business practices. The company has planted over 35,450 trees until December 2023, with an elevated annual target of 12,000 trees from 2024 onwards.

Education and healthcare are also integral to QATPL’s ESG efforts. The Energy Centre of Excellence (ECOE), affiliated with the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, offers M.Sc. programmes with a hands-on approach, preparing students for successful careers in Pakistan’s energy sector. The company also operates a free medical dispensary that treated over 11,600 patients from the local community in 2023.

QATPL has received multiple awards recognising its sustainability efforts, including the Green Office certification from WWF, making it the first power plant in Punjab to achieve this recognition. These accomplishments highlight the company’s leadership in promoting safe, ethical, and eco-friendly practices within the energy sector.

Leading the way in waste reduction and recycling

As part of its broader HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) policy, QATPL has implemented a comprehensive waste management strategy that prioritises waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. It strives to prevent pollution at the source – promoting natural resource conservation through reclamation and other methods and enhancing energy efficiency in both current operations and new facilities.

The company operates a zero-effluent discharge facility, where all sanitary and industrial waste is treated and reused for landscaping. It also utilises packing wood to create lawn furniture and smoking huts.

Colour-coded waste segregation bins are placed throughout the plant, ensuring proper disposal of different types of waste. General waste is collected by an EPA-approved third party and disposed of at licensed landfill sites, whilst oily water waste and food waste are managed by certified companies, ensuring full compliance with national environmental regulations.

QATPL has further demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by reducing paper waste. In 2023, 33kg of paper waste was collected and sent for recycling. The company also achieved ISO 50001 certification for energy management, demonstrating the implementation of effective energy and resource management practices.

By integrating eco-friendly solutions into its operations, including a 172 kWh solar power system for employee housing, QATPL is actively reducing its carbon footprint and promoting corporate environmental responsibility.

QATPL’s success at the Asian Power Awards and Asian Waste Management Awards is a testament to its pioneering approach to power generation, sustainability, and waste management. By prioritising sustainability, community development, and operational efficiency, QATPL is not only meeting Pakistan’s growing energy demands but also setting a benchmark for responsible and innovative power production.

The prestigious Asian Power Awards honours exceptional companies that have taken game-changing steps to address the effects of the climate crisis and meet the growing energy demand. Meanwhile, the Asian Waste Management Awards recognises and celebrates companies for their outstanding achievements in waste management practices across the diverse landscapes of Asia.

The Asian Power Awards and Asian Waste Manegement Awards is presented by Asian Power Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's revolutionary innovations and initiatives, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].