KARACHI: K-Electric (KE) has clinched two prestigious accolades at the 2024 Asian Power Awards, cementing its leadership in energy innovation. The utility’s 560MW Bin Qasim Power Station II (BQPS-II) secured the Gas Power Project of the Year — Pakistan and Power Plant Upgrade of the Year — Pakistan awards, recognising its cutting-edge upgrades in energy efficiency, said a statement on Thursday.

KE’s multi-million-dollar investment in BQPS-II, part of a broader $4 billion post-privatisation modernisation strategy, has dramatically enhanced the plant’s operational flexibility and reliability. Infrastructure improvements have enabled the facility to use regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) as a secondary fuel, while also reducing auxiliary load requirements. These upgrades have boosted the plant’s net efficiency, allowing it to better meet the surging energy demands of Karachi, Pakistan’s largest metropolis.

The Asian Power Awards, one of the most respected honours in the energy industry, spotlight organisations driving transformative change in energy production while addressing sustainability challenges. KE’s achievements placed it alongside global giants like Dubai Electric and Water Authority (DEWA) and China Resources Power. KE’s double win underscores its role as a forward-thinking energy provider, spearheading sustainable energy solutions in Pakistan.

KE’s commitment to modernisation, per the statement, extends beyond BQPS-II. The utility has recently achieved Nepra’s approval of its generation tariff petition, which, while not affecting customer rates, paves the way for its $2 billion investment plan through 2030. KE is also pushing ahead with its renewable energy agenda, having successfully concluded a competitive bidding process for 640MW of wind and solar projects in Balochistan and Sindh, which attracted the lowest-ever tariff bid in Pakistan for renewable energy generation. These initiatives are part of KE’s ambitious power acquisition programme (PAP), aimed at adding 1300MW of renewable energy to its grid.

Chief Generation & Transmission Officer at KE Abbas Husain commented, “Being recognised alongside some of the world’s most prominent power players is a testament to our continued focus on innovation. We remain committed to enhancing the efficiency of our power generation systems, reducing production costs, and ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to our customers.”