KE 500KV grid project launched amid hopes of improved power situation

• New grid station to link KE to national grid.
• Grid to give Karachi access to additional, cheap power.
• KE vows to continue expanding network for better services. 

KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah Monday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the 73rd grid station in K-Electric’s network that links the power utility to the national grid, giving the metropolis further access to additional affordable electricity, while reducing load-shedding.

“This is also in line with KE’s ongoing commitment to improve the reliability and stability of its infrastructure,” the KE said in a statement.

Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh, CEO Siemens, Markus Strohmeier, former Administrator Murtaza Wahab and other senior representatives of the provincial government along with KE’s senior officials attended the ceremony.

The 500KV KANUPP–KE Interconnection (KKI) Grid will be the third interconnection between the utility and the national grid. In total, these interconnections will be capable of channelling up to 2,050MW of electricity towards Karachi in the coming decade.

“When we sit together and work on the challenges, solutions are found. We should move forward with this spirit for the betterment of the common man. The Sindh government is working closely with the KE to ensure that our province and its major cities thrive,” CM Murad said while addressing the ceremony.

“The KKI Grid will promote industrial development in Karachi and boost economic activities in the megacity and adjacent areas while generating more jobs and provide opportunities to take the economy further. And 500KV or high voltage grids are massive-scale projects, but the KE is using advanced technology which is enabling them to construct the grid in an innovative and efficient manner. This kind of ingenuity is what we have come to expect from the KE, and we look forward to seeing them play a positive role in Pakistan’s progress as we move on.”

The provincial energy minister said the new grid would play a very important part in the development of the economy of Pakistan because Karachi is the hub of industry.

He also spoke about the collaboration between the KE and the Sindh government to add 350MW of green renewable energy into the mix in partnership with the World Bank.

“These steps are in line with the KE’s 30 by 30 vision to transform Karachi’s energy landscape,” the minister said, adding, "His and the Chief Minister’s office are always ready to offer their help and support for projects”.

CEO K-Electric Moonis Alvi said the KKI Grid was a testament to the partnership between the KE and the Government of Sindh.

“I thank them for allocating the 40 acres of land for the construction of this modernised grid. I am also grateful to the technical teams of Siemens who are working around the clock to complete the project," Alvi said.

"We are all working for the betterment of Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan." He added that the additional supply, along with the 900MW of efficient energy from the KE's upcoming BQPS-III plant, would light up more homes, energise industries, and help build a brighter, prosperous future.