Harbin is providing engineering, procurement and construction services for the power plant, which is designed to help address power crises in the country.
Quid-e-Azam Thermal Power Limited CEO Ahad Khan Cheema, on behalf of the Punjab Government, said: "We are not only investing in new plants but also strengthening public-private collaboration to ensure that advanced technologies are deployed to meet the growing demand.
"GE and Harbin are moving forward with an accelerated time frame to add additional power to the grid."
The 9HA.01 is designed to offer a net combined-cycle efficiency of more than 61%, GE said.
GE Power & Water gas power systems president and CEO Joe Mastrangelo said: "We have established strong partnerships in the power sector, and the introduction of our HA gas turbines, a significant first for the region, underlines our focus on bringing the latest technologies to enhance the operational efficiency and productivity of power plants."
Capable of generating electricity required to power more than six million Pakistani homes, the Bhikki plant is said to be the largest, most efficient power plant in Pakistan upon completion scheduled in 2017.
HEI chairman Guo Yu said: "Deploying GE’s advanced HA technology is a game changer for the industry as it supports the government’s goal to ensure affordable, reliable and efficient power generation to meet growing demand."
Recently, the Pakistan cabinet has approved the development of the Bhikki power plant.
GE has signed several key agreements in the country. Among the deals, GE signed a memorandum of understanding with the government to develop energy resources.
As per the estimate, Pakistan’s energy demand is expected to grow to 54,000MW by 2020.
Image: A GE-built9HA.01 gas turbine. Photo: courtesy of GE.
