Daily Times

KARACHI: A Lahore-based power generation company, intending to supply electricity to the Karachi Electric (KE), has sought a licence for its proposed 50MW solar power plant, Daily Times has learnt.

In this regard, the Oursun Pakistan Limited (OSPL) has submitted an application to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to obtain power generation licence for its proposed solar power plant.

The company has planned to set up its first solar power plant having installed capacity of 50MW in Gharo, Thatta. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 76.93 million.

Around $57.70 million will be generated through debt investment and remaining $19.23 million will be raised through equity shareholders’ investment. The project will be completed by the end of this year after approval by the relevant authorities.

“By supplying/selling solar energy, the consumers of KE will benefit”, said the company in its application. The company said that the KE had invited various companies to provide electricity through solar power generation. Finally, Oursun Pakistan and the KE agreed on the term sheet whereby the company would construct the facility at the site in Gharo, Sindh.

The company and the KE have agreed to use PV panels to generate electricity using sunshine, and converting it into AC current to connect with the 11KV grid. However, the parties may mutually agree to make provisions for stepping up to 132KV. The company is responsible to install/operate and maintain the electrical system up to the interconnection whereas, the KE will be responsible to provide and maintain interconnection at the site. The KE will feed the electricity generated from the solar farm into its Gharo Grid Station through a transmission line to be provided by the KE.

Meanwhile, the NEPRA has notified all stakeholders that it had admitted the application of Orusun Pakistan for consideration of grant of generation licence for its proposed solar power plant.