ISLAMABAD: The 1,320 megawatts coal-fired power plant of the China Power Hub Generation Company (CPHGC), which is under construction in Hub, Balochistan, has achieved a major milestone by interconnecting with Pakistan’s national grid, subsequently achieving energization of its 500kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) from the Jamshoro side of transmission lines.

With this achievement, CPHGC has officially entered into the hot commissioning phase of the complex that would lead to synchronization of its first unit with the national grid in December.

The process of power back-feeding was completed after a series of key steps such as line connection, site acceptance tests, high-pressure test of GIS, injection test and inter tripping test, all under the supervision of relevant regulatory authorities. The whole operation was completed safely and all the parameters of the relevant grid equipment were found within normal limits.

After energizing the 500kV system, CPHGC has achieved the energization of the start-up transformer as well as the 10kV auxiliary power system and is preparing for the system commissioning of unit 1.

The milestone was achieved with the collaboration of CPHGC’s production and technology departments and the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC).

Speaking on the occasion, CPHGC CEO Zhao Yonggang thanked the NTDC officials and sought further support. “The achievement of this major milestone also indicates that we are on track on meeting the deadline of August 2019 for the COD”.

Zhao Yonggang said that CPHGC is a prime example of the bonds of friendship that exist between Pakistan and China. “Here the Chinese and the Pakistanis are working together to help alleviate the problem of electricity shortage that will go a long way in helping to strengthen the Pakistani economy,” he concluded.