ISLAMABAD: K-Electric (KE) has raised serious concerns over the exclusion of its five renewable energy projects from the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2024, currently in its finalization stages. The power utility has communicated its grievances to Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, citing previous correspondence and engagements with the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC).
KE claims that despite multiple submissions and requests for review, the draft IGCEP 2024 did not incorporate its proposed renewable energy projects, including approvals granted by NEPRA earlier in 2024. These projects, pivotal for reducing fuel costs and boosting energy efficiency, include:
150MW Solar Projects in Winder and Bela (approved February 24, 2024).
200MW Hybrid Power Project at Dhabeji (approved March 15, 2024).
150MW Solar Power Plant in Malir, Karachi (approved February 29, 2024).
120MW Solar Power Plant in West Karachi (approved February 29, 2024).
All projects received NEPRA’s firm approvals by May 17, 2024, and were part of KE’s Power Acquisition Programme. KE also conducted Pakistan’s first successful tariff bidding process for these projects, securing record-low tariffs for renewable energy.
KE emphasizes that these projects would generate annual savings of Rs 13 billion and $87 million in foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imported fuels. Despite their advanced development stages, KE notes their exclusion from IGCEP, while less-progressed PC-1 projects have been included.
The utility warns that sidelining these initiatives would undermine market confidence, deter investors, and negate the regulatory process. KE has urged NTDC to categorize its projects as “Committed” in IGCEP 2024 and ensure their timely inclusion.
“These projects promise significant economic and fiscal benefits by lowering energy costs and reducing fuel imports. Their exclusion jeopardizes KE’s efforts to provide sustainable energy solutions,” the company stressed in its letter, calling for immediate action to include the projects in the final IGCEP document before submission to NEPRA.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
