ISLAMABAD – The Government of Balochistan has urged the federal authorities to expedite the approval process for K-Electric’s (KE) 150 MW renewable energy projects, which are critical to addressing the province’s growing power needs, sources told Business Recorder.
KE’s renewable portfolio includes five projects totaling 640 MW, approved by NEPRA in early 2024, with the flagship Winder and Bela solar projects (150 MW) positioned to drive Balochistan’s industrial and agricultural development while creating jobs. These projects were incorporated into NEPRA’s Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2022 and KE’s Power Acquisition Programme (PAP), approved in May 2024.
KE emphasized that the bidding process for these projects was conducted competitively, yielding Pakistan’s lowest renewable energy tariffs to date. The projects are expected to save approximately Rs. 13 billion annually in energy costs and reduce foreign exchange expenses by $87 million due to decreased reliance on imported fuels.
While KE has submitted bid evaluation reports for NEPRA’s approval, delays persist as the IGCEP 2024 optimization process continues. KE warned that time-sensitive bidder quotations and bid bonds, valid for only eight months, risk jeopardizing the anticipated Commercial Operation Dates (CODs) if approvals are further delayed.
The Government of Balochistan has backed KE’s efforts by allocating land for the Winder and Bela solar projects and is urging the Power Division and NEPRA to fast-track approvals. The provincial government views these renewable initiatives as essential for Balochistan’s socio-economic development and energy affordability, benefiting KE consumers, Balochistan residents, and the nation overall.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman