The second GE 9HA gas turbine to be installed in Pakistan has achieved first fire and synchronisation at Bhikki power plant.
The second GE 9HA gas turbine to be installed in Pakistan has achieved first fire and synchronisation at Bhikki power plant, a significant milestone as it was achieved less than 18 months after the turnkey project was first announced. This is record timing for an HA based plant to go from contract order to first fire. Unit one of the same plant, also based on a 385 MW 9HA, achieved first fire in February after 17 months. It has also been the fastest build for any gas fired power plant in Pakistan’s history.
Pakistan’s prime minister, Mian Nawaz Sharif, commented: “The project is a critical component of our strategy to expand access to electricity to over 90% of the country’s population and will benefit millions of Pakistanis.”
The Bhikki facility will be the country’s first power plant to run on imported supplies of liquefied natural gas. It is projected to generate up to 1180 MW when it starts combined cycle operations later this year.