Energy Update/11-03-2020

THATTHA: Siemens completed the grid connection for Gharo Solar Ltd.’s 50-megawatt solar plant in the Thatta district in Pakistan’s Sindh Province through a 132-kilovolt (kV) grid station. Clean energy from the plant will feed into K-Electric’s power grid. This was the first contract that Siemens has completed for a solar power plant in Pakistan. The grid station is equipped with digital technology that enhances controllability and reliability, while optimizing operating costs. Siemens supplied substation automation system as well as protection and control equipment. As part of the project, the company provided a ring main unit (RMU) for the 22-kV distribution network which will help protect, for example, inverter transformers connected to the grid against overloads and short-circuits, ensuring a reliable power supply. Overall, the project is needed to supply power for ongoing infrastructure development, projects, schools, hospitals, and industries in and around Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city. The project will help K-Electric bridge the shortfall in its power network that serves 15 million people in Karachi.