Global technology major Siemens along with partner Harbin Electric International has signed an agreement with K-Electric to build a 900-megawatt combined cycle power plant at the Bin Qasim Power Complex in Karachi.

K-Electric’s total investment for the project, known as Bin Qasim Power Station 3 (BeQPS-III), is $650 million. Work is expected to begin by the end of 2019 and will be completed in 24 months.

As per the deal, Siemens will provide two of its SGT5-4000F gas turbines besides steam turbines, generators and condensers. These will be the first Siemens turbines to be added to K-Electric’s power generation fleetm, said the company.

Siemens’ SGT5-4000F gas turbine is known for its high performance, low power generation cost, long intervals between inspections and service-friendly design.

More than 350 units have been sold around the world, with more than 17 million fired hours, stated the top German power giant.

Helmut von Struve, Managing Director and CEO of Siemens in Pakistan, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the energy needs of Karachi with efficient, environmentally friendly technology for power generation.”

“A reliable, robust and efficient electricity supply is essential to power economic growth and societal development, and our global expertise in delivering such projects makes us an ideal partner to support K-Electric’s long-term vision,” he stated.

According to him, the highly-efficient SGT5-4000F gas turbines will help K-Electric bridge the shortfall in its power network that serves 15 million people in Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city.

“The 900 MW BQPS-III is essential in meeting Karachi's future energy demands,” said Moonis Alvi, CEO K-Electric.

“The aim is to commission the project in the fastest possible time, and we are confident that with the right facilitation from all quarters, power from the plant may be added to our supply as soon as summer of 2021. An investment of the size and magnitude of BQPS-III is a testament to KE’s commitment to improving the reliability of power supply for its customers,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service